Henfield Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Henfield’s crime profile in May 2024 presented a mix of expected and unexpected patterns, with the most striking anomaly being the 100% surge in vehicle crime. The area’s overall crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents, 56% below the UK average, reinforces its reputation as a relatively safe built-up area within Horsham. Violent crimes accounted for 40.9% of all incidents, with 9 reported cases—though this figure remains well below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 18.2% of total crimes, while criminal damage and arson made up 13.6%. These figures align with Henfield’s character as a low-density, residential area where public order offences and property crimes tend to dominate. Seasonal factors in May, including longer evenings and bank holidays, likely contributed to increased outdoor socialising, which may have influenced the rise in vehicle crime and other incidents. The low prevalence of theft from the person or burglary, common in more densely populated areas, further supports the notion that Henfield’s crime profile is shaped by its suburban setting. However, the doubling of vehicle crime raises questions about whether temporary factors—such as increased car usage during holiday periods or specific local events—played a role in this unexpected spike.

May 2024 saw a stark 100% increase in vehicle crime, with two incidents reported compared to none in April. This jump, though small in absolute terms, marks an unexpected rise in a category typically low in Henfield. Meanwhile, 'other crime' also doubled, moving from zero to one incident—a development that may reflect underreported or newly emerging issues. Violent crimes, at 9 total, accounted for 40.9% of all incidents, a proportion significantly lower than the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also remained below UK averages, though the latter rose by 50% from April. These shifts contrast with a 50% decrease in other theft, which fell from two to one incident. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the doubling of vehicle crime, which may be linked to increased outdoor activity during May’s longer evenings and bank holidays, a seasonal factor that could influence future trends.

Henfield's crime rate in May 2024 rose 10.2% compared to April, reflecting a slight upward trend in local crime statistics. This increase, though modest, is notable given the area’s historically low crime profile. On a daily basis, Henfield saw an average of one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. When considering the monthly exposure rate, one crime occurred for roughly every 272 residents in May, a statistic that provides context for local residents assessing their personal risk. This rate is significantly lower than the UK average, but the month-on-month increase suggests a need to monitor patterns closely, particularly in categories such as vehicle crime and other crime, which saw dramatic shifts. The population of 5,985 means that each resident is statistically less likely to be directly affected by crime than in more densely populated areas, though localised factors—such as seasonal social activity—can still influence specific crime types.