Billingshurst Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

March 2023 saw Billingshurst maintain a low crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 43.4% below the UK average of 7.6. This performance highlights the area’s relative safety, though specific crime categories reveal nuanced patterns. Violence and sexual offences dominated the monthly tally, accounting for 41.7% of all crimes, followed by vehicle crime (16.7%) and anti-social behaviour (16.7%). These figures contrast with the UK average for violence and sexual offences, which stood at 2.7 per 1,000—34% lower than Billingshurst’s rate. The seasonal transition to spring, with extended evenings and the clocks changing, may have contributed to increased activity in public spaces, potentially influencing the higher proportion of violent crimes. While the area’s overall safety is commendable, the dominance of violence-related offences suggests a need for continued vigilance, particularly during peak hours in local hubs. Vehicle crime, though relatively low, is 46% above the UK average, linked to the area’s commuter connections and limited parking infrastructure. This data underscores the importance of situational awareness in high-traffic zones, even as Billingshurst remains a safer place than the national average.

March 2023 revealed a stark contrast in crime trends compared to the UK average. Vehicle crime, at 0.7 per 1,000 residents, was 46% higher than the national rate of 0.5 per 1,000. This discrepancy may be attributed to Billingshurst’s proximity to major transport routes and the prevalence of parked vehicles in residential areas. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage both fell significantly below UK averages, with anti-social behaviour at 0.7 per 1,000 (33% below) and criminal damage at 0.4 per 1,000 (33% below). These lower rates could reflect the community’s strong social cohesion and effective local policing efforts. Violence and sexual offences, while lower than the UK average for this category, still represented the largest share of crimes (41.7%), indicating a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. Residents are advised to remain cautious during late evening hours, especially near local amenities and transport hubs, where the concentration of violent offences is highest. The data also shows that robbery and possession of weapons are slightly above UK averages, suggesting a small but notable risk in these categories.

In March 2023, Billingshurst recorded 48 crimes over 31 days, averaging roughly 2 crimes per day. This daily rate is significantly lower than many similar-sized UK towns, though the exact UK daily figure is not available for comparison. On a monthly basis, the area experienced 1 reported crime for every 232 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of crime relative to population size. With a population of 11,140, this means that the likelihood of an individual encountering crime is relatively low compared to national averages. However, the breakdown of crime types shows that while overall rates are lower, certain categories like vehicle crime and violence remain high or low compared to the UK. The local population context is also key: Billingshurst’s small size and rural-adjacent character may contribute to lower rates of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, as community ties and local oversight are likely stronger. For residents, the 1-in-232 monthly exposure figure offers reassurance, but the higher vehicle crime rate highlights the need for continued attention to securing personal property in public spaces. These statistics collectively illustrate a community that is generally safe but not without its specific vulnerabilities.