Billingshurst Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Billingshurst, a built-up area within Horsham, recorded 39 crimes in October 2024, translating to a crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents — 56.8% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures underscores the area's generally low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent, accounting for 30.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.5%) and public order offences (18.0%). The seasonal context of October — with shorter days and the approach of Halloween — may have influenced some trends, particularly in public order and anti-social behaviour, which often rise during darker evenings and festive periods. However, the area's overall stability suggests that community-oriented policing and local initiatives have likely contributed to maintaining low crime levels. The rate of public order offences was 7% above the UK average, indicating a potential mismatch between local enforcement practices and national benchmarks. This data highlights the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to the unique characteristics of Billingshurst, which, despite its small size, reflects the combination of urban and rural dynamics within the Horsham district.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in October 2024 was the 100% increase in bicycle theft, which rose from zero to one incident. This spike, though isolated, highlights vulnerabilities in securing personal property in a built-up area. Concurrently, other theft and vehicle crime also doubled, suggesting potential seasonal factors such as increased outdoor activity or unsecured vehicles during darker evenings. These increases contrast with a 33.3% decline in burglary, which fell from three to two incidents, possibly reflecting heightened awareness or security measures. Public order offences also decreased by 22.2%, from nine to seven, a trend consistent with the quieter pace of October compared to busier summer months. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 30.8% of all crimes, though they were 59% below the UK average. The data illustrates how local patterns can diverge from national trends, with Billingshurst's low crime rate masking specific fluctuations in certain categories.

Billingshurst's crime rate remained stable at 3.5 per 1,000 residents in October 2024, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 11,140 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 286 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to the population, Billingshurst's crime profile remains distinct from national trends, with violent crimes and anti-social behaviour dominating the statistics. The daily crime count, though modest, serves as a reminder that even in low-crime areas, vigilance and community engagement remain important. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the marked fluctuations in specific categories, which are explored in greater detail elsewhere.