Horsham Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Horsham, 7.9 crimes were recorded in August 2023, placing the area 2.5% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of approximately one crime for every 127 residents over the course of the month, highlighting the importance of situational awareness in local communities. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (26.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.4%) and shoplifting (15.0%). These figures align with patterns seen in medium-sized towns with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where retail hubs and public spaces contribute to higher rates of certain offences. August, a peak holiday month, may have influenced crime patterns: while tourism could drive shoplifting in retail zones, the relatively low burglary rate (2.9% of total) suggests that empty homes during holidays did not significantly increase property crime. The balance between violent and property crimes remained stable, with violence and sexual offences slightly outpacing property crimes for the first time this year. This shift may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased social interactions during summer evenings or changes in policing priorities. The data also shows a marked contrast in local crime trends compared to national averages, particularly in shoplifting, which was 100% above the UK rate. This discrepancy could be attributed to Horsham's retail infrastructure, which includes high streets and independent stores that may be more vulnerable to opportunistic theft. However, the lower-than-average rates for vehicle crime (39% below UK average) and burglary (41% below) indicate effective local measures in securing vehicles and properties, through community initiatives or targeted patrols. The overall crime rate, while slightly below the UK average, underscores the need for continued vigilance, especially in areas with high foot traffic or seasonal influxes of visitors.

August 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Drug-related offences surged by 140%, rising from 5 to 12 incidents—a sharp increase that may reflect seasonal changes in substance use patterns or heightened police visibility leading to more reports. Robbery rates also climbed by 50%, from 2 to 3 cases, though this remains a small absolute number. Conversely, shoplifting decreased by 26.5% compared to July, dropping from 83 to 61 incidents, possibly due to increased staffing in retail stores during peak summer months. Vehicle crime fell by 41.7%, from 24 to 14 cases, suggesting that summer road closures or parking restrictions may have deterred opportunistic theft. The most striking contrast to national trends was shoplifting, which was 100% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This could be linked to Horsham's compact retail footprint, where high streets and independent shops are concentrated, making them vulnerable to targeted theft. Meanwhile, violent crime rates were 20% below the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 2.1 per 1,000. This lower rate may be influenced by the town's relatively stable demographics and community policing efforts. The increase in criminal damage and arson (+30.8%) from 26 to 34 cases is another area of concern, though it remains below the UK average. This could be tied to seasonal factors such as increased outdoor activities or unsecured properties during holidays. Residents may find the 26.5% share of violent crimes useful for understanding local risks, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during late evenings.

In July 2023, Horsham's crime rate stood at 8.1 per 1,000 residents, a 2.6% decrease to 7.9 per 1,000 in August. This decline, though modest, suggests a slight stabilization in local crime trends after a period of fluctuation. On a daily basis, Horsham experienced an average of 13 crimes per day in August, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents than the per-capita rate. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 127 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides context for how frequently crime intersects with daily life in the area. This figure is particularly relevant for families and individuals considering long-term residency or community involvement. Compared to the UK average, Horsham's lower rates for vehicle crime (39% below) and burglary (41% below) indicate that the area may have more effective local measures in place for securing vehicles and homes. However, the 100% above-average rate for shoplifting highlights a specific vulnerability that could be addressed through targeted retail security initiatives. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that while Horsham's overall crime rate is slightly below the national average, the distribution of crime types differs significantly, with shoplifting and public order offences being higher. This contrast underscores the importance of localized strategies that address the unique characteristics of the area, such as its retail density and seasonal tourism patterns.