Henfield Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Henfield's crime rate in December 2024 stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, 29.6% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, masks a complex picture where specific categories deviate significantly from the norm. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent crime type, accounted for 60% of all reported crimes and were 17% above the UK average. This anomaly suggests a local dynamic that may be influenced by the area's characteristics as a built-up area within Horsham, where proximity to urban centres and seasonal factors like the Christmas shopping period could drive such incidents. The surge in violent crime contrasts sharply with the low rates of property crime, which comprised just 10% of all reports. Possession of weapons, though numerically small, was 1,067% above the UK average—a stark outlier that may reflect underreporting or specific local circumstances. December's seasonal context—dark evenings, holiday-related activity, and empty homes during the festive period—likely contributed to the rise in violent incidents. However, the absence of a corresponding increase in property crime suggests that the area's crime profile is evolving, with personal safety concerns becoming more prominent. This shift, while not unprecedented, underscores the need for targeted local strategies that address both immediate safety concerns and the underlying factors driving specific categories of crime.

December 2024 marked a stark shift in Henfield's crime profile, with violence and sexual offences surging by 100% compared to November, rising from nine to eighteen incidents. This increase, coupled with a 100% rise in possession of weapons and public order offences, points to a significant escalation in certain categories. Possession of weapons in Henfield was 1,067% above the UK average, a figure that dwarfs other categories and raises questions about local enforcement or reporting practices. While property crimes remained minimal—just three incidents across the month—violent crime now constitutes 60% of all reported crimes, a shift from the previous month's balance. This contrast highlights a growing focus on personal safety issues, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as the Christmas shopping rush and extended evening hours. The anomaly in weapon-related offences, however, remains unexplained by the data and may warrant further local investigation.

Henfield's crime rate in December 2024 rose 66.4% compared to the previous month, climbing from 3.0 to 5.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, still places the area 29.6% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day over the month, a figure that may seem high in isolation but reflects the small population of 5,985 residents. When scaled to monthly exposure, the data shows that one reported crime occurred for every 200 residents over the course of December. This ratio contextualises the rate as relatively low compared to larger urban areas, where higher population density typically correlates with more frequent crime reporting. The rise in violent crime, in particular, suggests a shift in local patterns that may be influenced by seasonal factors such as late-night gatherings during the holiday period or increased foot traffic in retail areas. However, the absence of a corresponding rise in property crimes indicates that the nature of criminal activity is evolving, with personal safety concerns becoming more prominent.