Henfield Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 marked a concerning escalation in crime for Henfield, a built-up area within Horsham, with a crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents — 8.5% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. Despite this relative safety, the breakdown of crime types reveals troubling patterns, particularly in violent and property-related incidents. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category, accounted for 43.6% of all reported crimes, with 17 incidents recorded. This figure is 12% above the UK average for this category, highlighting a localised concern that may be linked to seasonal factors or community dynamics. Criminal damage and arson also saw a dramatic rise, surging to 8 incidents — 141% above the UK average. These spikes, occurring during a winter month with low outdoor activity, may be influenced by indoor gatherings or the pre-spring lull in seasonal tourism. Public order offences, at 5 incidents, were 63% above the UK average, suggesting potential tensions in local social spaces. The overall crime rate, while lower than the national average, does not mask the sharp increases in specific categories. The seasonal context of February — a month typically associated with reduced outdoor activity and the transition from winter to spring — may have contributed to these trends, though local factors such as community events or changes in policing strategies could also play a role. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas where vandalism and public disorder have spiked, as the data indicates a departure from the usual crime profile for this time of year.

February 2024 saw alarming spikes in several crime categories, with criminal damage and arson increasing by 300% compared to January, jumping from 2 to 8 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 142.9% rise in violence and sexual offences — the most common crime type — signals a significant deterioration in public safety. Anti-social behaviour also doubled, with 3 incidents reported in February compared to 1 in January, a 200% increase. These trends contrast sharply with the UK average for some categories: criminal damage and arson in Henfield are 141% above the national rate, while vehicle crime dropped by 50%, aligning with the UK average. The shift in crime mix is particularly concerning, as violent crimes now account for 43.6% of total incidents, compared to property crimes at 33.3%. Residents should be aware of the heightened risk in areas prone to vandalism and public order incidents, which are 63% above the UK average. These figures suggest that local factors — such as seasonal transitions or community tensions — may be contributing to the sharp rise in specific crime types.

Henfield's crime rate in February 2024 rose sharply compared to the previous month, jumping from 3.0 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents — an 116.6% increase. This shift raises questions about what factors may have contributed to the sudden rise in reported crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day over the 29-day period, a figure that, while low, reflects a noticeable uptick from January's pace. When scaled to the population, this equates to one reported crime for every 153 residents over the course of the month, a statistic that underscores the density of incidents relative to Henfield's small population of 5,985. While the overall rate remains 8.5% below the UK average, the breakdown of crime types reveals stark contrasts. For instance, violence and sexual offences surged to 2.8 per 1,000, significantly exceeding the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. These figures suggest that while Henfield's overall safety profile remains better than the national average, specific categories of crime have seen troubling spikes that warrant attention. The comparison to the UK average also highlights areas of concern, such as criminal damage and arson, which are 141% above the national rate, indicating a need for targeted local interventions.