Horsham Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Horsham's crime rate in July 2023 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, 24.1% below the UK average of 8.3. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal dynamics and local characteristics, with the area's lower-than-average violent crime rate—particularly for violence and sexual offences (1.8 per 1,000, 35% below the UK average)—suggesting a relatively stable community. However, the crime mix reveals notable trends: violence and sexual offences accounted for 28.4% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.6%) and shoplifting (12.8%). These proportions align with Horsham's identity as a market town with a mix of retail hubs and residential areas, where public spaces may attract both routine and transient populations. The summer season, marked by festivals and extended daylight, likely amplifies outdoor activity, potentially contributing to increased anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Yet, the town's lower burglary and theft rates (0.2 and 0.4 per 1,000 respectively, both 39% below the UK average) indicate effective community policing or strong property security measures. The seasonal context—schools out, tourism peaks, and outdoor events—may also explain the modest rise in shoplifting and vehicle crime, as these activities often correlate with increased foot traffic and vehicle movement. While the overall rate remains comfortably below the UK average, the spikes in robbery and weapon possession underscore the need for targeted awareness, especially in areas frequented by tourists and during evening hours.

July 2023 saw a stark rise in specific crimes, with robbery increasing by 350% (from 2 to 9 incidents) and possession of weapons rising by 333.3% (from 3 to 13). These jumps, though still small in absolute terms, indicate potential shifts in criminal activity. Meanwhile, shoplifting and vehicle crime remained above UK averages, with shoplifting at 0.8 per 1,000 (33% above the UK's 0.6) and vehicle crime at 0.7 per 1,000 (46% above the UK's 0.5). This divergence suggests local factors—such as retail density or car-park usage—may contribute to these trends. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 62.5% (from 24 to 9), possibly linked to seasonal changes in substance use patterns. Residents should be particularly vigilant around high-traffic areas during evening hours, where robbery and weapon-related incidents have spiked.

Horsham's crime rate in July 2023 rose 14.7% compared to June, moving from 5.5 to 6.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase aligns with typical summer patterns, where extended daylight and outdoor events may heighten opportunities for certain crimes. On average, 31 crimes were reported daily in July, a figure that translates to one crime occurring for every 160 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure remains below the UK average, the upward trend warrants attention. The population context shows that Horsham's crime profile, though lower than the national average, is not static—seasonal factors such as festivals and tourist activity likely influence fluctuations. Residents should consider how these patterns might intersect with local hotspots, such as high-traffic areas during summer events.