Broadbridge Heath Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Broadbridge Heath’s overall crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in August 2023 marked a striking 50.6% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, the lowest in the area’s recorded history, reflects a consistent trend of low crime rates in this built-up area within Horsham. The breakdown of reported crimes reveals a distinct pattern: violence and sexual offences accounted for 40% of the total (12 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (23.3%) and public order offences (10%). These figures align with the area’s character as a largely residential, low-density community with limited commercial activity, which likely contributes to lower rates of property crime compared to more densely populated urban centres. Seasonal factors may have also played a role, as August typically sees increased tourism in nearby Horsham, potentially diverting attention from local crime but also creating opportunities for transient offenders to exploit empty homes. However, the area’s crime profile remains stable, with no significant spikes in property-related offences. The absence of shoplifting or vehicle crime compared to the UK average further underscores the area’s unique dynamics, where community cohesion and low population density may act as natural deterrents to certain types of crime. This month’s data reinforces the notion that Broadbridge Heath’s crime picture is shaped more by its geographical and social context than by broader national trends.

August 2023 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting surging by 200% (from 1 to 3 cases) and criminal damage and arson doubling (from 0 to 1). These increases, though small in absolute terms, suggest potential shifts in offender behaviour during the summer months. Conversely, other theft dropped by two-thirds (from 3 to 1), and vehicle crime fell by half (from 2 to 1), indicating that targeted police initiatives or seasonal factors may have temporarily curbed these offences. Possession of weapons emerged as the only category above the UK average, with Broadbridge Heath’s rate of 0.1 per 1,000 (1 case) being 43% higher than the national figure. This anomaly, though statistically significant, may reflect underreporting or the presence of a small number of transient individuals in the area. The proportion of violent crimes (40% of total) also stood out, as this category was 39% below the UK average, highlighting the area’s relative safety in this domain. For residents, the most tangible insight is the 50.6% gap between Broadbridge Heath’s rate and the UK average—a statistic that underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies and the area’s inherent low-crime environment.

August 2023’s crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 6.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.3, continuing a downward trajectory that has defined the area’s recent history. On a daily basis, the month saw an average of one crime reported per day—a figure that, while low, highlights the sporadic nature of criminal activity in this community. When scaled to the population, this translates to one crime occurring for every 249 residents over the course of the month, a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to national benchmarks. With a population of 7,463, Broadbridge Heath’s crime picture is further contextualised by its demographic profile: a predominantly residential area with limited commercial infrastructure, which naturally limits opportunities for certain types of crime. The previous month’s rate of 4.3 per 1,000, though marginally higher, was part of a broader trend of gradual decline that has positioned the area as one of the safest in the UK. This consistency is reinforced by the absence of major spikes in any crime category, suggesting that local factors—such as strong community ties and effective policing—have played a crucial role in maintaining this low-crime environment. For residents, the most meaningful statistic is the 50.6% gap between the area’s rate and the UK average, a figure that, while not surprising, continues to reinforce the area’s reputation as a secure place to live.