Horsham Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Horsham’s crime rate in February 2024 stood at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the district 36.6% below the UK average of 7.1. This reflects a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime rates, likely influenced by the area’s character as a mixed urban-rural district with a strong community focus. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.5% of all recorded crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.4%) and criminal damage and arson (10.0%). These figures align with patterns seen in similar districts where violent crime remains a persistent concern despite overall lower rates. Seasonal factors may play a role in these numbers, as February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—typically sees lower levels of property crime and higher incidents of interpersonal conflict. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) and burglary (0.1 per 1,000) suggest that Horsham’s infrastructure, including secure parking and residential areas, may contribute to these outcomes. However, the sharp rise in specific categories in subsequent months will require closer monitoring to assess whether this reflects a temporary fluctuation or a broader shift in local dynamics.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was a 400% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 10 incidents in February 2024. This surge, while small in absolute terms, represents a significant shift and may signal changes in local crime patterns or reporting practices. Anti-social behaviour also rose sharply by 71%, from 62 to 106 incidents, marking one of the largest increases across all categories. This could be linked to factors such as seasonal transitions, with colder weather driving more indoor-related disputes or alcohol-fuelled incidents. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 42.9% (63 to 36), and burglary dropped by 40% (25 to 15), reflecting the impact of reduced outdoor activity during winter. Violence and sexual offences in Horsham (1.7 per 1,000) remain 32% below the UK average (2.5 per 1,000), indicating that the area’s lower crime rate is not solely due to reduced violent crime but also to other categories. For residents, the sharp increase in theft from the person—though not yet a major trend—may warrant heightened awareness of personal security measures in public spaces.

Horsham’s crime rate in February 2024 increased by 3.7% compared to January’s 4.4 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend despite remaining well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the district recorded an average of 24 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 221 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in comparison to larger urban areas. With a population of 151,521, Horsham’s crime statistics highlight the effectiveness of local policing and community initiatives in maintaining safety, even as specific categories like theft from the person show sudden increases. The comparison to the UK average further illustrates the district’s distinct profile, with categories such as vehicle crime (55% below the UK rate) and burglary (67% below) reflecting the impact of local infrastructure and demographic factors. These figures suggest that while Horsham is not immune to crime spikes, its overall environment and management strategies contribute to a consistently safer profile than the national average.