Horsham Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Horsham's crime rate for February 2025 was recorded at 4.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing the area 34.3% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This continued trend of lower-than-average crime reflects Horsham's character as a largely rural district with a strong sense of community and limited urban density. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 29.6% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (15.9%) and anti-social behaviour (14.1%). These figures align with Horsham's seasonal profile in February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull in social events. The lower property crime rate compared to the UK average may partly explain the overall reduced crime profile, as rural areas typically see fewer vehicle-related and commercial crimes. However, the prominence of violence and anti-social behaviour suggests ongoing challenges in community policing, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or transient populations. The seasonal context of February, with shorter days and colder temperatures, likely contributes to the reduced frequency of outdoor crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime, which are more common during warmer months. This pattern is consistent with broader UK trends where crime rates tend to dip in winter, though Horsham's performance remains below national averages.

February 2025 saw a dramatic 350% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 9 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 200% rise in bicycle theft (2 to 6), highlights shifting patterns in property crime. Meanwhile, shoplifting increased by 84.2% (57 to 105), marking the most significant month-on-month jump among all categories. These changes contrast with declines in other areas, including a 62.5% drop in drug-related offences (16 to 6) and a 52.6% decrease in 'other crime' (19 to 9). The rise in theft from the person is particularly noteworthy for residents, as it suggests potential vulnerabilities in personal safety during the winter months. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, but their rate of 1.3 per 1,000 is 45% below the UK average, indicating effective local policing strategies. Conversely, shoplifting's rate of 0.7 per 1,000 is 13% above the UK average, pointing to specific challenges in retail crime prevention. The sharp increase in bicycle theft may be linked to the area's expanding cycling infrastructure, which, while beneficial for commuters, could create new opportunities for theft if not adequately secured. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, particularly for personal property crimes.

Horsham's crime rate rose by 10.1% from 4.0 per 1,000 in January 2025 to 4.4 per 1,000 in February, marking the first monthly increase in the current year. This shift translates to roughly 24 crimes reported per day in February, a figure that, while consistent with previous months, shows a slight upward trend. On a population scale, the monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 230 residents highlights the relatively low frequency of crime in Horsham compared to larger urban centres. This figure is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible sense of the risk landscape. The increase from January to February contrasts with the broader UK trend of winter crime dips, suggesting unique local factors at play. For instance, the rise in theft from the person may be linked to the post-Christmas period, when households may be more vulnerable during extended winter weekends. Meanwhile, the 38% below-average rate for anti-social behaviour indicates that community-focused initiatives are likely having a positive impact. The comparison with the UK average also reveals that Horsham's property crime rate remains significantly lower, which may be attributed to its rural character and lower population density. These metrics collectively illustrate a district with generally low crime levels, though with specific areas requiring closer attention as highlighted by the recent spikes.