Southwater Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences remain the most significant category of crime in Southwater, contributing 27.1% of all reported incidents in July 2023. With a crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents, the area is 49.4% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights Southwater’s relatively low crime environment compared to national trends. The area’s built-up character within Horsham, likely influenced by its suburban layout and limited industrial presence, may contribute to this profile. Seasonal factors in July—such as the peak of summer holidays, festivals, and increased foot traffic during outdoor events—may have amplified certain types of crime. For example, the prominence of violence and sexual offences could be linked to higher social interaction in public spaces during this time. Conversely, property crimes, which account for 43.8% of total incidents (21 out of 48), remain below the UK average for similar categories. This suggests that while violent crime is a persistent concern, Southwater’s overall crime picture is shaped by a combination of geographic and seasonal dynamics. The data also reveals a marked disparity in crime distribution: anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which are 65% and 19% below UK averages respectively, indicate a community where disruptive incidents are less prevalent than in many other areas. These findings underscore the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention that align with local conditions and seasonal patterns.

July 2023 saw dramatic fluctuations in specific crime categories. Criminal damage and arson surged by 900%, rising from one reported incident in June to ten in July—a stark anomaly that may reflect seasonal tensions or isolated incidents tied to local events. Robbery, which had not been reported in June, rose to three incidents in July, placing it 200% above the UK average for this category. This spike, though small in absolute terms, warrants attention given its deviation from historical trends. Meanwhile, vehicle crime and burglary each fell by 50%, likely due to reduced summer car usage or increased community vigilance during festival periods. The crime mix also shifted slightly: violent crimes (27.1%) now account for a larger share than property crimes (43.8%), a reversal of the 37.5% property crime dominance seen in June. This shift may be influenced by the area’s seasonal rhythm, with more people gathering in public spaces during July. For residents, the 2 crimes per day average offers a tangible reference point for understanding local crime frequency. Anti-social behaviour remains exceptionally low, with its rate 65% below the UK average—suggesting that community cohesion or effective local policing may be playing a role in mitigating such incidents.

Southwater’s crime rate in July 2023 (4.2 per 1,000 residents) marked a 41.3% increase from the previous month’s rate of 3.0 per 1,000. This rise, while notable, still places the area 49.4% below the UK average, highlighting its continued status as a relatively safe locality. On a daily basis, residents can expect approximately 2 crimes to be reported each day—though this figure must be contextualised within the area’s small population of 11,332. Over the course of July, one crime was reported for roughly every 236 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many comparable urban centres. This statistic, when viewed alongside the area’s low violent crime rate (1.2 per 1,000, 57% below the UK average), suggests that Southwater’s built-up environment may foster a sense of community that deters certain types of crime. However, the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson—now 41% above the UK average for this category—indicates vulnerabilities that require targeted interventions. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Southwater’s crime profile is shaped by its unique characteristics: as a suburban enclave within Horsham, it likely experiences fewer of the concentrated crime patterns typical of larger cities. This contrast underscores the importance of localised crime analysis, ensuring that policy responses align with the specific needs of Southwater’s community.