Horsham Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

A dramatic 150% increase in bicycle theft in October 2025 stands out as the most unexpected shift in Horsham's crime profile. While the overall crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 remains 41.6% below the UK average, this surge in two-wheeler thefts contrasts sharply with the generally low levels of vehicle crime and burglary. The local authority district's crime picture is dominated by violence and sexual offences (33.4% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (19.5%), with both categories significantly below their respective UK averages. This pattern aligns with Horsham's character as a mix of historic market town and commuter hub, where retail and leisure spaces coexist with quieter residential areas. Seasonal factors may partly explain the volatility, as darker evenings following the clocks' retreat and Halloween activities could have influenced both anti-social behaviour and theft patterns. The 4.5 per 1,000 rate, while stable compared to September's 4.6, reflects a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels that has persisted through multiple reporting periods. Violent crime rates in Horsham are 44% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area's relatively stable social environment and lower population density compared to major urban centres. However, the sharp rise in bicycle theft raises questions about whether seasonal changes in cycling patterns or new vulnerabilities in security measures have emerged. With the month's daily crime count averaging 22 incidents, the data suggests a manageable level of criminal activity that remains well below national benchmarks.

The most striking movement in October was the 150% surge in bicycle theft, jumping from 2 to 5 reported incidents. This spike, while small in absolute terms, contrasts with the overall stability of other categories. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose by 29.8% (47 to 61), possibly linked to seasonal property maintenance activities or increased vandalism during darker evenings. On the decline side, possession of weapons fell by 71.4% (7 to 2), a drop that may reflect successful community safety initiatives or reduced opportunities for such crimes in the area. The crime mix in Horsham remains distinctly different from the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 1.5 per 1,000 (44% below UK levels) and anti-social behaviour at 0.9 per 1,000 (29% below). This divergence highlights the area's unique characteristics, where public order issues are less prevalent than in more densely populated regions. For residents, the 22 daily crime figure provides a tangible reference point, showing that the local police force manages incidents at a rate that is 41.6% below the national average. The continued absence of theft from the person and robbery incidents—both 100% below UK averages—suggests effective crime prevention strategies are in place, though the bicycle theft increase indicates potential gaps in securing personal property during the autumn months.

Horsham's crime rate in October 2025 remained stable at 4.5 per 1,000, a 1.1% decrease from September's 4.6. This consistency underscores the area's long-term trend of maintaining crime levels well below the UK average. The daily crime count of 22 incidents provides a practical benchmark for residents, illustrating that the local police force handles approximately one crime every 4.5 hours. Over the course of the month, the 1-in-222 residents figure demonstrates that the risk of experiencing a crime is significantly lower than the national average, which would likely be in the range of 1-in-130 to 1-in-150. With a population of 151,521, Horsham's low crime density—particularly in categories like burglary (67% below UK average) and vehicle crime (52% below)—suggests a community with strong social cohesion and effective policing. The comparison to the UK average also reveals that Horsham's residents face a markedly lower risk of violent crime, with rates 44% below the national figure. This contrast may be attributed to the area's mix of historic town centres and suburban sprawl, which likely reduces opportunities for high-risk crimes compared to more densely populated urban areas. The stability of the crime rate, combined with the area's consistently low levels of property crime, indicates that local crime prevention efforts have maintained their effectiveness through multiple reporting periods.