Horsham Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Horsham, 6 crimes were reported in August 2023 — a rate 24.7% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This lower-than-average figure, while statistically significant, must be contextualised within the area's unique characteristics. As a historic market town with a mix of urban and rural environments, Horsham's crime profile reflects both the vibrancy of its town centre and the relative tranquility of its surrounding countryside. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (29.4% of total), anti-social behaviour (18.0%), and shoplifting (14.1%), a pattern consistent with the presence of retail hubs and public spaces. Seasonal factors may have influenced these trends: August, a peak holiday month, could have increased foot traffic in commercial areas, contributing to higher shoplifting rates. However, the town's overall safety remains evident, with categories like burglary (3.7% of total) and vehicle crime (6.9%) significantly below UK averages. This suggests that local policing strategies, community engagement, or environmental design may be effective in reducing property-related incidents. The relatively high rate of violence and sexual offences compared to other categories, though still below the UK average, points to the need for targeted interventions in public spaces. These findings illustrate how Horsham's crime profile balances the pressures of a thriving town with the advantages of a low-density, community-oriented environment.

August 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with drugs-related offences increasing by 88.9% (from 9 to 17 incidents). This surge, though small in absolute terms, raises questions about local drug use patterns or enforcement activity. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 12.2% (148 to 166), a trend consistent with increased foot traffic during the summer months. Conversely, robbery incidents fell sharply by 66.7% (from 9 to 3), a decline that may reflect heightened security measures or seasonal changes in public spaces. Shoplifting, which accounted for 14.1% of all crimes, was 50% above the UK average, a stark contrast to categories like vehicle crime (18% below the UK rate) and burglary (41% below). These disparities highlight the complex nature of local crime dynamics, with retail areas likely contributing to shoplifting rates while the town's quieter residential zones may see fewer property crimes. For residents, the 50% gap in shoplifting rates compared to the UK average provides a concrete insight into where local safety efforts might need to focus.

Horsham's crime rate in August 2023 (6.1 per 1,000 residents) marked a 2.4% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.3 per 1,000. This modest decline, while statistically minor, reflects broader trends in the area's crime profile. On a daily basis, 30 crimes were reported across Horsham's 151,521 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of local activity. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for every 164 residents — a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of risk in everyday terms. The population context further clarifies these numbers: with 151,521 people in the district, the crime rate remains well below the UK average, suggesting that local factors such as community engagement, policing strategies, or environmental design may be contributing to sustained safety. However, the rate of decrease is small enough that it does not signal a major shift, requiring ongoing monitoring to identify whether this trend persists.