Horsham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Horsham's February 2026 crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents marked an 11.7% increase from January but remained 17.2% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. The town's crime profile was dominated by anti-social behaviour (26.6% of total incidents) and violence and sexual offences (23.0%), with property crimes comprising 36.5% of all reports. Seasonal factors likely influenced the pattern, as February—a winter month with lower outdoor activity—typically sees shifts in crime types. Anti-social behaviour, which includes disturbances and public nuisance incidents, rose sharply, while violent crimes fell, consistent with pre-spring lull dynamics. The area's lower-than-average violent crime rate (1.2 per 1,000) contrasts with its elevated anti-social behaviour rate (1.4 per 1,000, 54% above UK average), suggesting local challenges in managing community tensions. Shoplifting also exceeded the UK average by 55%, potentially reflecting the town's retail presence and foot traffic patterns. Vehicle crime and burglary both remained well below national benchmarks, with vehicle crime 71% below the UK rate. These trends highlight Horsham's unique crime ecology, shaped by its mix of residential and commercial spaces, and the interplay between seasonal rhythms and local infrastructure.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in February 2026 was the 97.3% surge in anti-social behaviour, jumping from 37 to 73 incidents. This category, which includes disturbances and nuisance-related offences, now accounts for 26.6% of all reported crimes—over double its share in January. The increase aligns with seasonal patterns, as colder weather and reduced daylight hours often correlate with higher indoor congregation and friction. Robbery also saw a 200% spike, rising from one to three incidents, though this remains far below the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 29.2%, dropping from 89 to 63 cases—a shift that may reflect seasonal lulls in nightlife activity. Vehicle crime fell by 12.5%, consistent with winter months when outdoor theft opportunities diminish. Anti-social behaviour's 54% above UK average rate highlights local challenges, while violent crime remains 48% below the national benchmark, underscoring Horsham's relatively safer profile for such offences.

Horsham's crime rate in February 2026 rose 11.7% compared to January, moving from 4.7 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains 17.2% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 10 incidents per day over 28 days, translating to one reported crime for every 190 residents over the month. This monthly exposure metric provides a tangible frame of reference for residents: if a household of four lived in Horsham, the likelihood of experiencing a crime in February was roughly 1-in-475. The shift in crime patterns reflects seasonal rhythms, with winter months typically seeing lower outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for certain crimes, though anti-social behaviour saw a sharp rise. The population context reveals that Horsham's lower-than-average crime rate persists despite the upward trend, suggesting structural factors—such as community engagement or policing strategies—may be sustaining the area's relative safety compared to national benchmarks.