Horsham Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 in Horsham reveals a distinct balance between property and violent crime, with property offences narrowly outpacing violent crimes. The overall crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents places the area 39% below the UK average, a gap that reflects broader trends in rural and semi-rural districts where community cohesion and lower population density often correlate with reduced criminal activity. The most prevalent crime category—violence and sexual offences (34.5% of total crimes)—suggests a combination of social dynamics.6 per 1,000 is 38% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common offence (14.7% of total crimes), also sits well below the national average, consistent with Horsham's character as a market town with strong local community networks. Seasonal factors in April—Easter celebrations and the transition to spring—may have influenced patterns, with increased outdoor activity potentially contributing to higher incidents of public order offences (8.7% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour. The crime rate remains stable compared to March 2024, indicating no abrupt shifts in overall criminal activity, though the composition of crimes—particularly the dominance of property offences—warrants closer examination of local economic factors, such as retail activity or property values, which could drive certain crime types.

April 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with burglary increasing by 43.5% (23 to 33 incidents) and criminal damage and arson rising by 21% (62 to 75). These increases, though modest in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal dynamics such as Easter-related disruptions or increased property visibility during longer daylight hours. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 41.3% (46 to 27), a drop that could be attributed to reduced motorist activity during the Easter holiday period or improved vehicle security measures. Theft from the person plummeted by 60% (5 to 2), a decline that aligns with broader trends in rural areas where foot traffic and public spaces are less densely populated. The balance between property and violent crime remains skewed—property offences (262) slightly outpace violent crimes (246)—though both categories remain well below UK averages. For instance, violence and sexual offences in Horsham occur at a rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents, 38% lower than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This disparity may be linked to Horsham's relatively low population density and the absence of major nightlife hubs, which typically correlate with higher rates of violent crime in urban centres.

Horsham's crime rate in April 2024 remained stable at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, matching the rate recorded in March 2024. This consistency suggests no major disruptions in crime trends over the past month, though localised shifts in specific categories—such as the 43.5% rise in burglary—highlight the need for targeted analysis. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 24 crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised against Horsham's population of 151,521. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 213 residents, a ratio that underscores the area's relative safety compared to the UK average. When scaled to population size, Horsham's performance is striking: categories like vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) and burglary (0.2 per 1,000) are significantly below national rates, consistent with the characteristics of a semi-rural district where property values are higher and community policing is more effective. This monthly exposure figure—1 crime per 213 residents—provides a tangible benchmark for residents, illustrating that while crime is present, it remains a rare occurrence in daily life.