Billingshurst Crime Rate

Billingshurst's most striking statistic is its burglary rate, which is 84% below the UK average. With a crime rate of 49.5 per 1,000 residents, the area is 45.8% safer than the national average. Despite a 10.8% year-on-year decline in overall crime, violence and sexual offences remain the most common category. This contrast between low burglary rates and relatively stable violent crime highlights the area's unique crime profile.

Billingshurst is a historic built-up area within Horsham, characterised by a mix of residential properties, small businesses, and community spaces. Its relatively low population density and strong community networks likely contribute to its below-average crime rates. Proximity to commuter routes and limited commercial zones may reduce opportunities for certain crimes, though the area's rural-urban balance creates unique challenges for local policing.

The most surprising finding is that burglary in Billingshurst is 84% below the UK average, with only 6 crimes reported (0.5 per 1,000) over the past year. This stark contrast to the UK average of 3.4 per 1,000 may reflect effective home security measures or the area's low population density, which reduces opportunities for targeted burglaries. Violence and sexual offences, while 39% below the UK average, remain the most common crime type. This could be linked to the area's mix of commuter and local residents, with evening activity patterns possibly contributing to incidents. Anti-social behaviour (37% below UK average) may be influenced by community cohesion efforts, while public order crimes (27% below UK average) likely correlate with the area's limited nightlife compared to urban centres.

Crime in Billingshurst has decreased by 10.8% year-on-year, with burglary declining 70% (from 21 to 6 crimes) and vehicle crime falling 13% (from 23 to 20 crimes). The most significant drop is in burglary, which may reflect improved home security measures or reduced opportunities due to the area's low population density. Despite this, robbery has increased by 50% (from 2 to 3 crimes), though it remains 78% below the UK average. The peak month for crime was May 2025 (6.2 per 1,000), likely influenced by increased outdoor activity and tourism during the spring season.

How To Keep Safe in Billingshurst

To address the area's most prevalent crime type, avoid isolated routes during evening hours when violence and sexual offences are more likely. Secure vehicles with visible alarms and use well-lit paths for late-night travel. For public order issues, report disturbances promptly to local authorities, as the area's low anti-social behaviour rate suggests community engagement can further reduce incidents. Ensure homes have motion-activated lighting to deter burglars, though the area's below-average burglary rate indicates existing security measures are effective.

Crime in Billingshurst follows distinct daily patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (61% of afternoon crimes) and evening (25% of evening crimes), likely tied to retail activity and commuter schedules. Vehicle crime spikes at night (40% of night-time crimes), reflecting increased vulnerability during low-traffic hours. Burglary, though rare, occurs most frequently in the evening (6%) and night (8%), suggesting opportunistic break-ins during periods of reduced surveillance. Other crimes, such as criminal damage, dominate during the night (54%), possibly linked to isolated properties or unmonitored areas.

Wisborough Green, the only comparable nearby area, has a crime rate 14% higher than Billingshurst (56.3 vs. 49.5 per 1,000). This difference may stem from Wisborough Green's slightly higher population density and potential variations in community policing strategies. Both areas share similar geographic contexts but diverge in crime outcomes, likely reflecting localized factors such as housing stock and public space management.

For Billingshurst residents, scOS's proactive boundary detection and DVLA vehicle registration verification are particularly relevant. With vehicle crime at 1.8 per 1,000 (62% below UK average), scOS's automated lighting and speaker activation can deter opportunistic theft. The system's behavioural pattern learning also reduces false alarms in areas with low burglary rates, ensuring alerts focus on genuine threats. For homes, scOS's multi-camera monitoring complements existing security measures, providing coverage during the evening and night when theft peaks.