Southwater Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Southwater’s crime rate for October 2023 stood at 3.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 55% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This sustained performance reflects a combination of local characteristics, including the area’s built-up nature within Horsham, which may contribute to lower rates of certain crimes such as burglary or vehicle theft compared to more rural or industrial regions. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 26.8% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.5%) and criminal damage and arson (12.2%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal conflicts and property-related issues, though the overall rate remains significantly lower than national averages. Seasonal factors, such as the return to darker evenings in October and the proximity to Halloween, may have influenced patterns of anti-social behaviour or public order offences. However, the area’s consistently low crime rate compared to the UK highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies, community engagement, or the built environment itself in deterring certain types of crime. For instance, the absence of a major retail hub may explain the relatively low shoplifting rate, while the presence of community spaces might reduce anti-social behaviour. These observations are consistent with Southwater’s profile as a low-density built-up area, where crime prevention efforts appear to be working in tandem with the area’s geographic and social dynamics.

October 2023 saw a 300% surge in shoplifting, rising from one to four incidents, likely tied to Halloween-related activity or seasonal retail patterns. Criminal damage and arson also increased by 150%, reflecting a sharp rise from two to five reported cases, though this remains below the UK average. Conversely, public order offences fell by 50%, dropping from two to one, suggesting potential community efforts or seasonal shifts in behaviour. Violence and sexual offences in Southwater were 63% below the UK average, with 11 incidents recorded (2.7 per 1,000 in the UK). Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime, was 45% below the UK average, highlighting a consistent trend of lower rates in this area compared to national benchmarks. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, with some categories rising sharply while others show marked declines.

Southwater's crime rate in October 2023 rose by 28.4% compared to the previous month, increasing from 2.8 to 3.6 per 1,000 residents. While this upward shift is notable, the overall rate remains 55% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. Locally, this translates to roughly one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may seem low but reflects the area’s generally secure environment. On a monthly basis, one crime occurred for every 276 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area within Horsham. The increase from September to October could be linked to seasonal factors, such as the transition to darker evenings and Halloween activities, which may influence patterns of anti-social behaviour or public order issues. However, the absence of a UK daily comparison means local context remains the primary lens for understanding these figures.