Southwater Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Southwater's crime rate in April 2024 stood at 2.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure 66.2% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This stark disparity underscores the area's status as a relatively safe built-up zone within Horsham, where low population density and limited urban sprawl may contribute to its consistently low crime profile. The breakdown of crimes reveals a notable concentration in violence and sexual offences (41.4% of total crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson (17.2%). While these figures may seem concerning, they remain significantly below UK averages—57% and 32% lower respectively. The seasonal context of April, marked by the Easter period and spring weather, likely influenced crime patterns: increased outdoor activity could have driven incidents of violence, while the Easter holidays may have reduced opportunities for shoplifting and vehicle crime. However, the data also shows that anti-social behaviour, though rising by 200% month-on-month, remains 75% below the UK average, suggesting that local community engagement initiatives may be effectively addressing such issues. The balance between property and violent crime appears evenly split, but both categories are well below national levels, reflecting the area's unique character as a quieter, more residential part of Horsham. This combination of factors—seasonal rhythms, population size, and local infrastructure—likely contributes to Southwater's continued divergence from the UK crime profile.

April 2024 saw dramatic shifts in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour surging by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and drugs-related offences doubling from 0 to 1. These increases, while significant, remain well below the UK average for both categories—32% and 50% below respectively. Conversely, shoplifting plummeted by 87.5% (from 8 to 1), a drop that may reflect heightened policing during the Easter period or seasonal retail strategies. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted: while violent crimes (12) and property crimes (12) remained equal in number, the share of violent offences rose to 41.4% of total crimes, a figure 57% below the UK average. This suggests that while Southwater's violent crime remains a priority, its severity is markedly lower than national trends. Residents may note the absence of vehicle crime, which fell by 50% to 1 incident, linked to reduced commuter traffic during the Easter break.

Southwater's crime rate in April 2024 fell by 12.0% compared to March's 2.9 per 1,000, underscoring a sustained decline in local crime. With 29 crimes reported over the month, this equates to roughly one crime per day, a figure that reflects the area's consistently low crime profile. When scaled to the population of 11,332 residents, the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-391 residents highlights the rarity of crime in daily life here. This stands in stark contrast to the UK average, though comparative data is not provided for daily or monthly exposure rates. The shift from March to April also aligns with seasonal patterns: as Easter and spring activities ramp up, the area's infrastructure—such as its proximity to Horsham and limited urban density—likely contributes to maintaining this low baseline. Residents may find reassurance in the fact that even during periods of increased foot traffic, the local policing and community engagement efforts appear to be effective in mitigating incidents.