Horsham Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Possession of weapons stood out as the only crime category in Horsham exceeding the UK average in May 2024, with a rate 25% higher than the national figure. This anomaly contrasts sharply with the overall crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents, which is 33.3% below the UK average of 8.4. The area’s crime profile remains heavily shaped by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 32% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.9%. These figures suggest a combination of local demographics and broader regional trends, though the exact drivers of this particular deviation in weapons possession remain unclear. Seasonal factors may have played a role, as May’s bank holidays and extended evenings could have influenced patterns of outdoor drinking and socialising, contributing to the higher rate of violence. However, the relatively low levels of property crime—shoplifting and vehicle crime both fell below UK averages—suggest that Horsham’s urban environment, with its mix of residential and commercial areas, may be less prone to certain types of theft compared to more densely populated regions. The data also highlights the importance of localised policing strategies, as the significant gap between Horsham’s rates and the UK average indicates that area-specific interventions could be effective in maintaining this lower crime trajectory.

May 2024 saw a 150% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 5 incidents, a change that could concern local residents. Vehicle crime also surged by 125.9%, jumping from 27 to 61 cases, reflecting potential vulnerabilities in parking areas or increased opportunities for theft during warmer evenings. In contrast, drug-related offences dropped by 31.6%, falling from 19 to 13, possibly indicating shifts in local drug markets or the effectiveness of recent enforcement efforts. The overall crime mix in Horsham remains skewed towards violent and anti-social crimes, with property crime categories consistently below UK averages. For instance, shoplifting at 0.5 per 1,000 is 22% below the UK rate, while vehicle crime is 15% below, suggesting that Horsham’s retail and transport infrastructure may be less targeted than in other areas. These disparities highlight the need for tailored crime prevention strategies that address the specific vulnerabilities of the local community while leveraging the area’s strengths in maintaining lower rates of property-related offences.

The crime rate in Horsham rose by 17.8% from 4.7 per 1,000 in April to 5.6 per 1,000 in May 2024, though it remains well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 27 crimes per day in May, a figure that provides context for local residents assessing their risk exposure. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 180 residents, illustrating the relatively low frequency of crime in this district compared to national standards. With a population of 151,521, Horsham’s crime statistics demonstrate that the area is significantly safer than the UK average, despite the upward trend in May. This lower exposure rate may be attributed to the district’s mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics, which could create environments less conducive to certain types of crime. However, the increase in violent crime and weapons possession suggests that targeted efforts may be needed to address emerging trends, even as the overall profile remains reassuringly low.