Billingshurst Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Billingshurst

Billingshurst, a built-up area with a population of 11,140 residents, reports an overall crime rate of 52.7 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safe environment. The area boasts a strong safety score of 88 out of 100, which is well above the national average of 78. In a positive trend, Billingshurst has seen a significant decrease in crime, with a 16.0% reduction year-over-year. These statistics provide a clear overview of the local crime landscape, highlighting its favourable safety standing and a positive downward trend in criminal activity.

Crime Breakdown in Billingshurst

An examination of crime types in Billingshurst reveals Violence and sexual offences as the most prominent category, with 228 incidents, accounting for 20.5 per 1,000 residents and a substantial 38.8% of all recorded crimes. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the second most common offence, with 113 crimes (10.1 per 1,000, 19.2% of total), impacting community well-being. Public order offences are the third most frequent, with 58 incidents (5.2 per 1,000, 9.9% of total), indicating issues related to public behaviour.

Billingshurst's property crime rate is 14.3 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses Burglary (8 crimes, 0.7 per 1,000), Other theft (51 crimes, 4.6 per 1,000), Shoplifting (35 crimes, 3.1 per 1,000), Criminal damage and arson (33 crimes, 3.0 per 1,000), Vehicle crime (24 crimes, 2.1 per 1,000), Robbery (3 crimes, 0.3 per 1,000), and Theft from the person (3 crimes, 0.3 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a relatively low risk of property-related offences, though awareness, particularly regarding theft and criminal damage, remains advisable.

Crime Trends in Billingshurst

Billingshurst has experienced a highly positive crime trend, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 16.0% in total recorded crimes. This indicates a substantial improvement in safety over the past twelve months. Reviewing the monthly trend data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 3.5 in October 2024 and reaching a peak of 6.2 in May 2025. There was a notable dip in June 2025 (4.1) and a general downward trend towards September 2025 (3.6), despite some monthly variations. The overall picture is one of declining crime, which is highly reassuring for local residents. This consistent downward trajectory suggests that local efforts to reduce crime are proving effective.

Time Patterns of Crime in Billingshurst

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Billingshurst BUA reveals specific trends. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the most prevalent crime type at 61%, followed by vehicle crime at 13% and burglary at 3%, as residents begin their day. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees an increase in theft to 67% and burglary to 6%, while vehicle crime drops to 5%, likely reflecting heightened activity in commercial areas. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become most significant at 46%, with theft at 31% and vehicle crime at 16%, potentially indicating social activities. Night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a notable surge in vehicle crime to 43% and 'other' crimes to 33%, with theft at 16% and burglary at 8%, suggesting a focus on unattended properties during hours of darkness.

Crime in Nearby Areas

To contextualise Billingshurst's crime statistics, it is helpful to compare them with neighbouring built-up areas such as Newpound Common, North Heath, Wisborough Green, and Brooks Green. These smaller settlements, all within the Horsham local authority, offer a localised perspective on crime. Billingshurst's favourable crime rate and safety score are generally consistent with the safer, more rural character of these surrounding areas. Comparisons would likely highlight similar patterns in property crime and anti-social behaviour, which are common concerns in such communities. Understanding these regional dynamics helps residents appreciate Billingshurst's relative safety within its immediate geographical context, confirming its status as a secure place to live.

Protecting Your Property in Billingshurst

Considering Billingshurst's property crime rate of 14.3 per 1,000 people, which is well below the national average, it remains sensible to adopt robust home security measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV cameras, often provide footage only after a burglary has occurred, acting reactively rather than preventatively. For truly effective protection, a proactive approach is essential.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS is designed to prevent crime before it happens. It actively detects threats at your property boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence to monitor all areas simultaneously. Unlike systems that merely record incidents, scOS intervenes in real-time. Features such as autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, destroy the element of surprise for intruders. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; visible and intelligent deterrence from professional-grade equipment like scOS encourages them to move on, providing superior protection against property-related offences.