Billingshurst Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Billingshurst’s crime rate in February 2024 stood at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, 15.5% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This performance highlights the area’s consistent ability to maintain a safer environment compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 52.2% of all reported incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (13.4%) and shoplifting (10.5%). While these figures suggest a focus on interpersonal and property-related crimes, the seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have contributed to the concentration of certain offences. The lower-than-average rate of anti-social behaviour (0.2 per 1,000, 81% below the UK average) indicates that community cohesion and local initiatives likely play a role in mitigating disorder. However, the high incidence of violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average raises questions about underlying factors, such as the area’s social demographics or the presence of high-traffic spaces that may increase exposure to such crimes. The balance between property and violent crime also reflects Billingshurst’s character as a built-up area within a larger rural district, where urban and rural elements coexist. This duality may explain the relatively high rate of shoplifting compared to the UK average, as retail hubs in the area could attract opportunistic theft. Overall, while the crime profile is largely positive, the need to address the rise in violent offences remains a priority for local authorities.

February 2024 saw a 52.2% month-on-month increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 23 to 35 incidents. This surge, though concerning, was offset by a 50% decrease in anti-social behaviour, which dropped from 4 to 2 cases. The category of other theft also showed a marked decline, falling by 80% from 5 to 1 incident—a drop that may reflect improved community reporting or heightened awareness. Billingshurst’s violent crime rate (3.1 per 1,000) is 24% above the UK average for this category, while anti-social behaviour remains 81% below the national average. These contrasting trends illustrate a combination of local dynamics and broader patterns, with the area’s relatively low anti-social behaviour rate suggesting effective community engagement strategies that may be worth replicating elsewhere.

Billingshurst's crime rate in February 2024 rose slightly to 6.0 per 1,000 residents from 5.7 per 1,000 in January, a 6.2% increase. This small upward trend contrasts with the area’s ongoing position below the UK average. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported per day in February, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of a built-up area with limited seasonal variation in activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 166 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains low compared to national benchmarks. This suggests that while the area is not immune to crime fluctuations, its population size and geographic character—likely a mix of residential and rural elements—contribute to its consistently lower crime profile. The monthly exposure figure also underscores that residents face a relatively low risk of encountering crime, even with the recent uptick in violent offences.