Billingshurst Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Billingshurst’s crime rate in June 2024 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 43.9% below the UK average of 8.2. This marked disparity reflects the area’s unique profile as a semi-rural built-up zone with limited commercial density and a relatively stable population. Violent crimes dominated the crime picture, accounting for 52.9% of the 51 total incidents reported, yet this rate remained 13% below the UK average for the same category. Anti-social behaviour followed at 19.6%, while shoplifting accounted for 9.8% of incidents—both significantly below national averages. The seasonal context of June, with its longer daylight hours and the early stirrings of tourism in nearby rural areas, may have influenced crime patterns, though the absence of a corresponding rise in property crime is notable. The area’s low crime rate is consistent with its character as a small, low-density community where informal social controls and community cohesion likely contribute to reduced criminal activity. While violent crime rates were higher than expected for such a low-density area, the overall trend of being well below national averages suggests effective local policing or environmental factors that discourage criminal behaviour. The data also highlights a potential vulnerability: the sudden spike in robbery, though isolated, underscores the need for targeted awareness campaigns even in areas with otherwise low crime rates.

The most striking shift in June 2024 was the 100% increase in robbery, with one incident reported compared to none in May. This spike, though isolated, highlights the potential for sudden spikes in violent crime even in low-risk areas. Conversely, burglary, criminal damage, and other theft all saw declines—burglary fell by 66.7%, criminal damage by 60%, and other theft by 50%. These reductions may reflect heightened community vigilance during the summer months or the impact of local anti-crime measures. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 52.9% of total crimes, but this rate was 13% below the UK average. The area also saw a rare anomaly in possession of weapons, which was 43% above the UK average. For residents, the drop in burglary rates suggests that targeted property crime prevention efforts may be having a measurable impact.

Billingshurst's crime rate in June 2024 fell by 30.1% compared to the previous month, dropping from 6.6 to 4.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of small built-up areas, where summer months often see reduced property crime due to increased community presence and outdoor activity. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported over 30 days, a figure that translates to roughly one reported crime for every 218 residents during the month. This monthly exposure rate underscores the relatively low risk residents face compared to larger urban centres. When viewed through the lens of population size, Billingshurst’s 11,140 residents experienced 51 crimes, a pace that is slower than the UK average but consistent with the area’s character as a low-density, semi-rural community with limited commercial density. The drop from June 2024 to May 2024 suggests that local factors—such as seasonal tourism or community initiatives—may have contributed to the reduction in reported incidents.