Broadbridge Heath Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

January 2025 marked an unexpected surge in specific crime types within Broadbridge Heath, a built-up area within Horsham. While the overall crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 remained 52.1% below the UK average of 7.1, the most surprising development was the 400% increase in criminal damage and arson, jumping from one to five incidents. This spike, occurring alongside a 200% rise in anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, contrasts with the area’s generally low crime profile. The top crime types—anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, and violence and sexual offences—each accounted for 24% of total incidents, highlighting a mix of property and personal crime. Seasonal factors, including post-holiday activity and shorter daylight hours, likely contributed to the rise in anti-social behaviour and vandalism. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained 29% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area’s retail presence despite the overall low rate. The relatively small number of violent crimes—6 in total—suggests that while incidents did increase, they remain rare compared to national trends. This pattern aligns with the area’s character as a small, low-density built-up area where community dynamics and localised factors may influence crime trends. The month’s data underscores the importance of targeted policing and community engagement, particularly in addressing the unexpected rise in property damage and anti-social incidents.

The most striking movement in January 2025 was the 400% surge in criminal damage and arson, jumping from one to five incidents. This spike, coupled with a 200% rise in anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, suggests a shift in criminal activity despite the overall low crime rate. Shoplifting, at 0.8 per 1,000, was 29% above the UK average, a contrast to other categories such as other theft, which fell 80% below the national average. The crime mix also showed a marked shift: while property crimes (12) outnumbered violent crimes (6), the increase in violent offences—particularly those involving sexual elements—raises questions about local dynamics. Residents may find the 29% above-average shoplifting rate particularly relevant, as it suggests targeted retail areas may require increased vigilance.

Broadbridge Heath's crime rate in January 2025 rose by 46.9% compared to December 2024, climbing from 2.3 to 3.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, remains significantly lower than the UK average of 7.1. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 299 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime per day, a rate that, while low, reflects the fluctuating nature of crime in smaller communities. The rise in anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences may partly explain the upward trend, though seasonal factors such as post-holiday activity and reduced daylight hours could also play a role. This monthly exposure statistic provides a tangible measure for residents, illustrating that while crime is present, it remains infrequent relative to the population size.