Henfield Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Henfield

Henfield, a built-up area with a population of 5,985 residents, reports an overall crime rate of 48.3 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 88 out of 100, which is well above the national average of 78. However, Henfield has experienced an increasing trend in crime, with a 5.9% rise year-over-year. These statistics provide a clear overview of the local crime landscape, highlighting its favourable safety standing while noting a recent upward shift in criminal activity.

Crime Breakdown in Henfield

An examination of crime types in Henfield reveals Violence and sexual offences as the most prominent category, with 125 incidents, accounting for 20.9 per 1,000 residents and a substantial 43.2% of all recorded crimes. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the second most common offence, with 36 crimes (6.0 per 1,000, 12.5% of total), impacting community peace. Criminal damage and arson are the third most frequent, with 24 incidents (4.0 per 1,000, 8.3% of total), indicating issues related to property harm.

Henfield's property crime rate is 14.7 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses Burglary (7 crimes, 1.2 per 1,000), Other theft (22 crimes, 3.7 per 1,000), Shoplifting (15 crimes, 2.5 per 1,000), Criminal damage and arson (24 crimes, 4.0 per 1,000), Vehicle crime (16 crimes, 2.7 per 1,000), Bicycle theft (3 crimes, 0.5 per 1,000), and Theft from the person (1 crime, 0.2 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a relatively low risk of property-related offences, though awareness, particularly regarding criminal damage and vehicle crime, remains advisable.

Crime Trends in Henfield

Henfield has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 5.9% rise in total crimes year-over-year. This indicates a slight upward shift in crime activity over the past twelve months. Reviewing the monthly trend data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 4.2 in October 2024 and reaching a notable peak of 7.0 in July 2025. There was a dip in April 2025 (2.8) and September 2025 (2.8), but the overall trajectory points towards an increase. This upward trend, though from a low base, suggests a need for continued vigilance and awareness regarding local crime developments, particularly during peak months.

Time Patterns of Crime in Henfield

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Henfield BUA reveals distinct trends. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the most prevalent crime type at 45%, alongside vehicle crime at 19% and burglary at 6%, as residents commute and commercial areas open. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees an increase in theft to 51% and burglary to 11%, while vehicle crime drops to 7%, likely driven by heightened activity in public spaces. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become most significant at 49%, with vehicle crime at 21% and theft at 20%, reflecting social activities and potential public order issues. Night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a notable surge in vehicle crime to 47% and 'other' crimes to 33%, with burglary at 11%, suggesting a focus on unattended properties during hours of darkness.

Crime in Nearby Areas

To contextualise Henfield's crime statistics, it is helpful to compare them with neighbouring built-up areas such as Shermanbury, Woodmancote, Small Dole, and Partridge Green. These smaller settlements, all within the Horsham local authority, offer a localised perspective on crime. Henfield's favourable crime rate and safety score are generally consistent with the safer, more rural character of these surrounding areas. Comparisons would likely highlight similar patterns in property crime and anti-social behaviour, which are common concerns in such communities. Understanding these regional dynamics helps residents appreciate Henfield's relative safety within its immediate geographical context, confirming its status as a secure place to live.

Protecting Your Property in Henfield

Considering Henfield's property crime rate of 14.7 per 1,000 people, which is well 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.