Billingshurst Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 11,140, Billingshurst recorded 63 crimes in May 2023, translating to a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure represents a 28.7% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, highlighting the area’s relatively low crime profile. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (25 cases, 39.7% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (8 cases) and criminal damage and arson (6 cases). These patterns may partly explain the area’s character as a quiet, largely residential built-up area within Horsham, where community cohesion and lower population density could contribute to reduced crime rates. Seasonal factors in May, including longer evenings and bank holidays, likely influenced increased outdoor socialising, which may explain the prominence of violence and public order offences. However, the area’s crime rate remains significantly below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement strategies. Violent crime in Billingshurst is 21% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour is 47% below, reflecting a broader trend of lower incidents of disruptive conduct compared to national levels. The data illustrates a balance between routine local crime and the seasonal dynamics typical of small urban areas during spring.

May 2023 saw a 34.1% increase in Billingshurst’s crime rate compared to April, rising from 4.2 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This uptick was driven by sharp rises in vehicle crime (+150%, 2 to 5 cases), bicycle theft (+100%, 0 to 2 cases), and other theft (+100%, 1 to 2 cases). These increases may reflect heightened outdoor activity during longer evenings. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 20% (10 to 8 cases), possibly due to temporary reductions in public gatherings or targeted local enforcement. Violent crime remained low, at 21% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 47% below the national rate. Bicycle theft, however, surged to 150% above the UK average (0.5 vs 0.1 per 1,000), a stark contrast to the area’s generally low crime profile. Residents may find the 2 daily crime rate (63 crimes over 31 days) a useful benchmark for understanding local risk levels, though this remains well below national averages.

Billingshurst’s crime rate in May 2023 (5.7 per 1,000) marked a 34.1% increase from April’s 4.2 per 1,000, but the area still maintains a significantly lower crime profile than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 177 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the area’s population of 11,140. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime for every 125 residents. The daily crime context—approximately 2 crimes per day—provides a tangible measure for residents, though this remains well below the national average of around 3.3 crimes per day. Billingshurst’s position as a small built-up area within Horsham likely contributes to its lower crime rates, with community-focused policing and limited commercial density potentially reducing opportunities for certain offences. However, the recent spikes in vehicle and bicycle crime suggest vulnerabilities tied to local infrastructure or seasonal patterns. The area’s performance underscores the importance of population density and local context in shaping crime statistics, even as national trends provide a broader benchmark.