Billingshurst Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Billingshurst maintained its position as one of the UK's safest areas, with a crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents—39% below the national average of 7.7. This per-capita figure translates to a tangible daily reality: roughly two crimes reported per day across the built-up area's 11,140 residents. The crime profile reveals a mix of patterns that reflect both local characteristics and seasonal influences. Violence and sexual offences (21 cases, 40.4% of total) remain the most prevalent category.9 per 1,000 is 26% below the UK average for this type. Anti-social behaviour (6 cases, 11.5%) and criminal damage and arson (9 cases, 17.3%) also feature prominently, though the latter's rate is 36% above the UK average. The spring season appears to have shaped these patterns: the rise in public order offences (up 300%) could be linked to Easter events or increased outdoor activity, while the drop in shoplifting (50%) and other theft (87.5%) may reflect reduced winter opportunism. This balance between low overall rates and specific category fluctuations suggests a community where most residents face minimal risk, but targeted issues like criminal damage require continued attention. The area's character as a semi-rural built-up area within Horsham—likely with a mix of residential, retail, and green spaces—seems to influence crime types, with property crimes (34%) and violent crimes (40.4%) dominating over more urban-centric categories like vehicle crime.

April 2024 saw a dramatic spike in public order offences, jumping from one to four incidents—a 300% increase. This surge, though small in absolute terms, contrasts sharply with the 87.5% drop in other theft cases, which fell from eight to one. The shift in crime mix is striking: while violence and sexual offences (21 cases) remained the most common category, their rate of 1.9 per 1,000 was 26% below the UK average for this category. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose by 80% to nine incidents, a rate 36% above the UK average for this type. This divergence suggests local factors may be influencing specific crime types. For example, the sharp rise in public order offences could be linked to Easter-related events or increased foot traffic during spring. Conversely, the drop in other theft cases may reflect seasonal patterns, as winter months often see higher levels of opportunistic stealing.

Billingshurst's crime rate in April 2024 rose slightly to 4.7 per 1,000 residents, a 6.1% increase from March's 4.4. This translates to roughly two crimes reported per day over the month, a figure that appears modest when viewed through the lens of local demographics. For every 214 residents, one crime was recorded across the 30-day period, a monthly exposure rate that places the area well within the lower end of the UK spectrum. While the overall rate remains 39% below the national average, the upward trend from March suggests seasonal or situational factors may be at play. The population context further sharpens the perspective: with 11,140 residents, the absolute number of crimes (52) remains low enough that most residents would likely encounter no crime at all during the month. This daily and monthly framing helps contextualise the statistics as manageable risks rather than systemic concerns, especially when compared to larger urban areas where rates are typically 2-3 times higher.