Horsham Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Horsham's overall crime rate for July 2023 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a 24.1% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This figure reflects a relatively low crime environment, but the breakdown reveals notable patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 28.4% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.6%) and shoplifting (12.8%). The seasonal context of July—peak summer with schools closed, tourist activity, and festivals—likely contributes to these trends. While violent crime remains a significant concern, the proportion of property crimes has decreased compared to other months, suggesting a shift in criminal activity towards more immediate, high-impact offences. The town's character as a market town with a mix of urban and rural areas may influence these dynamics, with retail centres and public spaces becoming focal points for certain crimes. The 24.1% gap below the UK average indicates effective local policing or community measures, but the sharp rise in specific categories demands closer attention. As summer events continue, residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and during late-night hours.

July 2023 saw significant spikes in several crime categories, raising concerns for residents. Robbery incidents surged by 350% compared to June, with the number rising from 2 to 9. This jump is particularly alarming given the town's generally low crime profile. Concurrently, possession of weapons increased by 333.3%, moving from 3 to 13 cases, a figure that could indicate a rise in aggressive or armed incidents. Criminal damage and arson also rose by 54.3%, with 46 cases in June escalating to 71 in July. These increases may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic during festivals or heightened tensions in public spaces. Conversely, some categories showed marked declines: drugs-related offences fell by 62.5% (from 24 to 9), and bicycle theft dropped by 33.3% (from 15 to 10). However, the sharp rise in violent crimes and weapon possession underscores a need for heightened awareness, especially in areas with high tourist activity. Residents are advised to take additional precautions, such as securing valuables in public and reporting suspicious behaviour promptly.

Horsham's crime rate in July 2023 rose by 14.7% compared to the previous month, moving from 5.5 to 6.3 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is notable, the town still maintains a crime rate 24.1% below the UK average, highlighting its relative safety. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 31 crimes per day during July, a figure that, while modest, reflects the impact of summer activity on local crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 160 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while low, underscores the importance of community vigilance. When compared to the UK average, Horsham's performance in certain categories is striking: violence and sexual offences are 35% below the national rate, and anti-social behaviour is 30% below. However, shoplifting and vehicle crime are above the UK average by 33% and 46%, respectively, suggesting that retail and transport hubs may require targeted interventions. These figures, when contextualised with the town's population of 151,521, illustrate a combination of local conditions and national trends, offering both reassurance and areas for improvement.