Billingshurst Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2024, Billingshurst recorded 73 crimes across a population of 11,140, translating to a crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 21.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, a consistent pattern observed in previous months. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.1% of all incidents (30 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (17 cases, 23.3%). These two categories, along with shoplifting (8 cases, 11.0%), dominated the crime profile. The relatively low rate of violent crime compared to the UK average may reflect the area’s character as a low-density built-up area within Horsham, where community cohesion and lower population density could contribute to reduced interpersonal conflicts. Seasonal factors may also play a role, as May’s extended evenings and bank holidays likely increased opportunities for socialising, explaining the rise in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Meanwhile, property-related crimes such as criminal damage and arson (5 cases) and burglary (3 cases) remained well below UK averages, consistent with the area’s lower population density and reduced commercial activity compared to larger urban centres. The overall crime rate, while showing a 40.3% increase from April, still places Billingshurst firmly in the lower quartile of UK crime statistics, suggesting that local initiatives or environmental factors may be effectively mitigating crime in certain areas.

May 2024 saw dramatic fluctuations in crime categories, with anti-social behaviour surging by 183.3% (6 to 17 incidents) and shoplifting increasing by 166.7% (3 to 8). These spikes may partly reflect the impact of bank holidays and extended evenings, which can heighten social interactions in public spaces. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 44.4% (9 to 5), suggesting a potential seasonal dip in property-related offences. Violence and sexual offences remained 5% below the UK average (2.7 vs 2.8 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour exceeded the national rate by 3%. The drop in vehicle crime (33.3%) and public order offences (25%) contrasts with the rise in theft-related crimes, illustrating a shift in the crime mix. Residents may find the 183.3% increase in anti-social behaviour particularly concerning, given its direct impact on community safety.

Billingshurst’s crime rate in May 2024 rose by 40.3% compared to April, marking a notable upward trend. This increase, while significant, remains 21.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly two crimes reported each day—a figure that, while modest, reflects local patterns of activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 153 residents, a metric that contextualises the scale of incidents within the community. This monthly exposure is particularly relevant for residents, as it highlights the frequency of crime in relation to population size. The shift from April’s lower rate may partly reflect seasonal dynamics, such as increased socialising during longer evenings. This data underscores the need to balance local context with broader UK trends, as Billingshurst’s crime profile diverges from the national average in several key areas.