Billingshurst Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 in Billingshurst revealed a crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 52.8% below the UK average of 7.2. This figure underscores a consistently low-crime profile for the built-up area within Horsham, a characteristic often associated with smaller, tightly-knit communities where social cohesion may deter criminal activity. The breakdown of crimes highlights a near-even split between property and violent offences, with 15 violent crimes (39.5% of total) and 14 property crimes (36.8%) recorded. Violence and sexual offences dominated as the most common category, followed closely by anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime. The seasonal context of December—a time of heightened social interaction through festive events and darker evenings—may have influenced the balance between these categories. While violent crimes were slightly more prevalent than property crimes, the overall rate remains well below national averages, suggesting that the area’s character—likely a mix of residential and light commercial zones—contributes to its lower risk profile. The absence of significant spikes in theft or burglary, despite the holiday season, could reflect effective local policing or community vigilance, though these factors remain speculative without further data. The UK comparison also reveals stark disparities: violent crime rates in Billingshurst are 47% below the national average, while vehicle crime is 33% above, a discrepancy that may be explained by the area’s proximity to transport routes or its appeal to car owners. These patterns, when viewed alongside the seasonal context, hint at a combination of environmental factors and crime types, warranting closer examination in future analyses.

December 2023 marked a 56.8% decline in the overall crime rate compared to the previous month, with several categories experiencing sharp reductions. Public order offences fell by 81.8% (from 11 to 2), likely linked to fewer incidents of disorder during the quieter post-holiday period or increased community engagement in managing local issues. Similarly, shoplifting and burglary both dropped by 81.8% and 80.0% respectively, suggesting that festive security measures—such as improved lighting or increased patrols—may have had a measurable impact. The balance between property and violent crimes remained relatively stable, though violent crimes slightly outpaced property offences, a trend that contrasts with the UK average where property crime typically dominates. Vehicle crime in Billingshurst (0.6 per 1,000) was 33% above the UK average (0.5 per 1,000), a figure that could be attributed to the area’s proximity to major roads or its appeal to car owners. For residents, the significant drop in public order offences offers a tangible reassurance, as these incidents often have the most immediate impact on daily life. The data also reveals that anti-social behaviour (0.6 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.2 per 1,000) were both well below UK averages, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a relatively safe place despite the seasonal pressures of December.

The crime rate in Billingshurst for December 2023 (3.4 per 1,000) represented a substantial 56.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.9 per 1,000, reflecting a marked improvement in local safety metrics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 1 crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, may appear higher to residents when contextualised against the population of 11,140. When scaled to the monthly exposure, one crime occurred for roughly every 293 residents, a ratio that highlights the relatively low likelihood of any individual being directly affected by crime. This statistic is particularly noteworthy when compared to the UK average, where the much higher overall crime rate would translate to a significantly shorter interval between incidents. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that Billingshurst’s crime profile is distinct from larger urban areas, where higher densities and more diverse demographics often correlate with elevated crime rates. The drop in the crime rate from November to December aligns with the seasonal context of the month, which typically sees a reduction in certain types of crime—such as public order offences—as holiday-related activities and community events bring a sense of cohesion. However, the persistence of vehicle crime above the UK average suggests that local factors, such as traffic patterns or vehicle ownership rates, may still present unique challenges. These comparisons underscore the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to the specific characteristics of Billingshurst, rather than applying broad urban-centric approaches.