Horsham Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Horsham's crime rate in December 2024 was 4.2 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 40.8% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures underscores Horsham's position as a relatively low-crime locality, a trend consistent with its character as a market town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.6% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (11.3%) and shoplifting (10.7%). These figures, while concerning, remain significantly below UK averages for each category, with violence and sexual offences 41% below the national benchmark. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and the holiday season—likely influenced certain trends. For instance, shoplifting rates, which rose by 21.4% compared to November, may have been driven by increased foot traffic in retail areas and the temptation of last-minute purchases. Conversely, the reduction in vehicle crime by 52.6% could be attributed to fewer commuters and reduced parking congestion during the festive period. These patterns suggest that while local factors such as community engagement and policing efforts play a role, broader seasonal dynamics also shape the crime picture. The relatively low rates of burglary (68% below UK average) and drugs-related offences (58% below) further reinforce the idea of a community where property crime and substance misuse are not major concerns, though targeted issues like weapon possession (67% above UK average) indicate areas for further focus.

December 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with possession of weapons increasing by 240% compared to the previous month, a shift that may reflect changes in local enforcement or reporting practices. Simultaneously, theft from the person surged by 200%, likely tied to the festive season and increased retail activity. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 52.6%, possibly due to reduced parking congestion during holiday periods. The breakdown of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences, though still the most prevalent category at 34.6%, remain 41% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also show marked underperformance relative to national figures, with the former 47% below and the latter 12% below. These patterns highlight a community where violent crime is less common but where targeted issues such as weapon possession and theft during peak shopping times demand attention.

Horsham's crime rate in December 2024 stood at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a 10.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the final months of the year, where seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic and the closure of certain retail outlets may contribute to lower reported crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 21 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the monthly total spread over 31 days. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime occurred for roughly every 237 residents, underscoring the relatively low frequency of incidents in comparison to the UK average. With a population of 151,521, this translates to a community where the likelihood of being directly affected by crime remains lower than the national benchmark. These statistics provide a useful context for residents, illustrating that while crime is not absent, its presence is significantly moderated by local conditions and seasonal patterns.