Cowfold Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Cowfold

Cowfold, a built-up area with a population of 1,354 residents, reports an overall crime rate of 43.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safe environment. The area maintains a strong safety score of 91 out of 100, which is well above the national average of 78. In a positive trend, Cowfold has experienced a decrease in crime, with a 6.3% reduction year-over-year. These statistics provide a clear overview of the local crime landscape, highlighting its favourable safety standing and a positive downward trend in criminal activity.

Crime Breakdown in Cowfold

An analysis of crime types in Cowfold identifies Violence and sexual offences as the most prominent category, with 13 incidents, accounting for 9.6 per 1,000 residents and 22.0% of all recorded crimes. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the second most frequent offence, with 12 crimes (8.9 per 1,000, 20.3% of total), impacting community peace. Other theft is the third most frequent, with 9 incidents (6.7 per 1,000, 15.2% of total), indicating issues related to property theft.

Cowfold's property crime rate stands at 18.5 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses Burglary (4 crimes, 3.0 per 1,000), Other theft (9 crimes, 6.7 per 1,000), Criminal damage and arson (5 crimes, 3.7 per 1,000), Vehicle crime (6 crimes, 4.4 per 1,000), and Shoplifting (1 crime, 0.7 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate a low risk of property-related offences, though awareness, particularly regarding other theft and vehicle crime, remains sensible.

Crime Trends in Cowfold

Cowfold has experienced a positive crime trend, with a 6.3% decrease in total crimes year-over-year. This indicates a measurable improvement in safety over the past twelve months. Reviewing the monthly trend data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 3.0 in October 2024 and reaching a peak of 7.4 in May 2025. There was a notable dip in March and April 2025 (2.2), but the overall trajectory points towards a decline in crime. Despite some monthly variations, the consistent downward trend is reassuring for local residents, suggesting that community and policing efforts are effectively contributing to a safer environment.

Time Patterns of Crime in Cowfold

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Cowfold BUA reveals distinct trends. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is most prevalent at 52%, alongside vehicle crime at 21% and burglary at 9%, as residents commute and commercial areas open. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees an increase in theft to 60% and burglary to 16%, while vehicle crime drops to 8%, likely driven by heightened activity in public spaces. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become most significant at 33%, with vehicle crime at 25% and theft at 25%, reflecting social activities. Night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a notable surge in vehicle crime to 53% and 'other' crimes to 19%, with burglary at 17%, suggesting a focus on unattended properties during hours of darkness.

Crime in Nearby Areas

To contextualise Cowfold's crime statistics, it is helpful to compare them with neighbouring built-up areas such as Littleworth, Shermanbury, Partridge Green, and Bolney. These settlements, all within the Horsham local authority, offer a localised perspective on crime. Cowfold's favourable crime rate and safety score are generally consistent with the safer, more rural character of these surrounding areas. While Partridge Green is a smaller settlement, Littleworth, Shermanbury, and Bolney offer closer comparisons in terms of settlement size and characteristics. These comparisons help residents understand Cowfold's relative safety within its immediate geographical context, confirming its status as a secure place to live.

Protecting Your Property in Cowfold

Considering Cowfold's property crime rate of 18.5 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, it remains sensible to adopt robust home security measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV cameras, often provide footage only after a burglary has occurred, acting reactively rather than preventatively. For truly effective protection, a proactive approach is essential.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS is designed to prevent crime before it happens. It actively detects threats at your property boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence to monitor all cameras simultaneously. Unlike systems that merely record incidents, scOS intervenes in real-time. Features such as autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, destroy the element of surprise for intruders. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; visible and intelligent deterrence from professional-grade equipment like scOS encourages them to move on, providing superior protection against property-related offences.