Broadbridge Heath Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Broadbridge Heath’s crime rate in September 2023 remained lower than the UK average, recording 4.7 crimes per 1,000 residents—41.2% below the national figure of 8.0. This consistent safety record, even as the area navigates seasonal transitions, reflects the interplay of local factors such as community engagement, policing strategies, and the built environment. Violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share of reported crimes (28.6%), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.0%) and shoplifting (14.3%). These patterns align with the area’s characteristics as a mixed-use built-up area within Horsham, where retail centres and residential zones likely contribute to specific crime types. The seasonal context of September—marking the start of the academic year and the transition to shorter evenings—may have influenced crime dynamics. For instance, the rise in anti-social behaviour could be linked to increased foot traffic in local amenities, while the decline in violence and sexual offences may reflect reduced late-night activity as students and staff return to structured routines. Shoplifting, though below the UK average for most categories, remained slightly above the national rate, a trend that may be attributed to the presence of small retail outlets in the area. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how local geography, demographics, and seasonal rhythms shape crime patterns, even in areas that are generally safer than the national average.

September 2023 brought stark contrasts in crime trends for Broadbridge Heath. Vehicle crime saw a 400% month-on-month increase, rising from one incident to five—a sharp spike that may reflect seasonal shifts, such as increased traffic during the start of the academic term or changes in local parking patterns. Conversely, violence and sexual offences dropped by 16.7%, decreasing from 12 to 10 incidents. This decline aligns with the area’s seasonal rhythm, as the return to school and university freshers likely reduced late-night activity in public spaces. Shoplifting and vehicle crime both exceeded UK averages: shoplifting was 25% above the national rate, and vehicle crime was 46% higher. These figures suggest local factors, such as the presence of retail hubs or commuter parking areas, may be influencing these categories. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by two-thirds, due to reduced social events as the term began.

Broadbridge Heath's crime rate in September 2023 rose by 16.7% compared to the previous month, reaching 4.7 per 1,000 residents. While this marks a slight upward trend, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, which stands at 8.0 per 1,000. Locally, this translates to approximately one reported crime every 213 residents over the course of the month—a figure that underscores the relatively low level of criminal activity in the community. Daily crime statistics show that, on average, one crime was reported per day in September, a manageable frequency for a built-up area of 7,463 residents. This rate is consistent with the area’s character as a mixed-use neighbourhood with a strong sense of community, where local policing and resident engagement likely contribute to sustained low crime levels despite seasonal fluctuations.