Billingshurst Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Billingshurst’s crime rate in January 2024 stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 23.0% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.4. This figure places the area among the safer built-up regions in the country, a trend reflected in its crime breakdown. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category at 36.5% of total crimes, remained 19% below the UK average, a pattern likely influenced by the area’s limited nightlife and compact built-up nature. Property crimes, including burglary and criminal damage, accounted for 44.4% of incidents, though their rates varied significantly: burglary surged by 300% month-on-month, while shoplifting rose by 200%. The seasonal context of January—shorter days, post-holiday lulls, and reduced retail footfall—may have contributed to these shifts. Anti-social behaviour, conversely, fell by 42.9%, potentially linked to the area’s smaller population and community-focused policing efforts. Vehicle crime and other thefts remained stable, with the latter 12% below the UK average. These patterns suggest a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and policing effectiveness, though further data would be needed to confirm causal links. The overall low crime rate, combined with the absence of significant violent crime spikes, reinforces Billingshurst’s reputation as a relatively secure area within Horsham’s jurisdiction.

January 2024 saw a 300% increase in burglary, rising from 1 to 4 incidents—a sharp contrast to the 60% reduction in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 7 to 4. This shift in crime mix suggests a move towards property-related offences, with burglary and criminal damage and arson both rising by 250% and 200% respectively. Violence and sexual offences remained 19% below the UK average at 2.1 per 1,000, a trend consistent with the area’s lower population density and limited nightlife. Shoplifting also surged by 200%, though it remained 12% below the UK average, possibly linked to seasonal retail patterns. Vehicle crime, however, fell by 14.3%, aligning with the area’s lower traffic density and reduced outdoor activity during shorter days. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of local crime patterns and the need for targeted policing strategies.

Billingshurst's crime rate in January 2024 rose 66.0% compared to December 2023, reflecting a shift from 3.4 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, remains 23.0% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that may partly explain the local perception of heightened activity despite the overall low rate. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 177 residents, a monthly exposure that places Billingshurst among the safer built-up areas in the UK. This statistic, when considered alongside the area’s population of 11,140, underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. The contrast with the previous month’s rate also highlights seasonal fluctuations, as January’s shorter days and post-holiday environment may have influenced reporting patterns or offender activity.