Southwater Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

March 2024 saw Southwater, a built-up area within Horsham, maintain a crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents, 62.3% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure places the area firmly in the lower end of the UK's crime spectrum, with the most common crimes being violence and sexual offences (36.4% of total), followed by shoplifting (24.2%) and criminal damage and arson (12.1%). The seasonal context of March—a time of transition to spring, with the clocks changing and evenings lengthening—may have influenced the crime profile, potentially contributing to the rise in shoplifting and public order offences. The area's lower crime rate compared to the UK average could be attributed to its character as a relatively compact, mixed-use built-up area with a smaller population, which may foster a more community-oriented environment. However, the significant increase in shoplifting, which rose by 300% from February, suggests a need to examine local factors such as retail footfall or changes in consumer patterns during this period. The overall crime rate, while stable, reflects a balance between the area's generally low levels and the specific challenges posed by the month's dynamics, offering a nuanced picture of Southwater's crime profile.

March 2024 marked a sharp increase in shoplifting, which rose by 300% compared to February, jumping from two to eight incidents. This surge in retail-related crime contrasts with a 66.7% drop in anti-social behaviour, which fell from three to one reported case. The shift in crime types suggests a possible seasonal influence, with the transition to spring and longer evenings potentially affecting retail activity and public interactions. Violence and sexual offences remained a significant category, accounting for 36.4% of all crimes, yet they were 59% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. Shoplifting's 15% increase over the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 highlights a localised challenge that may be linked to the area's retail presence or changes in consumer behaviour during the month. These fluctuations offer residents a concrete insight into the types of crimes that may require closer attention, particularly in high-traffic areas during the early spring period.

Southwater's crime rate in March 2024 rose by 3.2% compared to February, moving from 2.8 to 2.9 per 1,000 residents. This slight increase, while statistically small, reflects shifts in specific crime types rather than a broad trend. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day in March, a figure that translates to a localised frequency of roughly one crime for every 343 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate underscores the relatively low crime environment in Southwater, where the population of 11,332 residents experiences fewer incidents compared to the UK average. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the 2.9 per 1,000 rate means that, for every 1,000 residents, slightly fewer than three crimes occurred—a stark contrast to the UK's 7.7 per 1,000 average. This disparity highlights the area's distinct characteristics, which may include a mix of residential and commercial spaces that contribute to lower crime levels despite the month-on-month fluctuation.