Southwater Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Southwater's crime rate in April 2025 remained significantly below the UK average, sitting at 3.3 per 1,000 residents—57.1% lower than the national figure of 7.7 per 1,000. This marked divergence from the UK average reflects the area's character as a built-up district within Horsham, where urban planning and community policing initiatives may contribute to sustained low crime levels. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 51.4% of all reported incidents (19 cases), though this rate (1.7 per 1,000) remains 35% below the UK average for this category. Other theft and shoplifting each contributed 10.8% of the total crime count (4 cases each), both significantly below UK averages by 39% and 20% respectively. These figures may be influenced by seasonal factors, as April's Easter period and spring weather typically see increased outdoor activity and retail engagement. The relative absence of property crimes—only 10 incidents (27% of total)—contrasts with the UK's broader pattern, where property crimes often dominate. This discrepancy may be attributed to Southwater's compact built-up nature, where residential density and commercial activity create an environment less prone to burglary but more susceptible to interpersonal conflicts. The crime profile also shows a notable absence of anti-social behaviour, which fell to 8.1% of total incidents (3 cases) and was 77% below the UK average, suggesting effective community engagement strategies or demographic characteristics that reduce disorderly conduct.

April 2025 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with 'other theft' and 'shoplifting' both doubling from zero to four incidents—a 100% increase each. This surge, though modest in absolute terms, suggests potential shifts in criminal behaviour during the Easter period, possibly linked to increased foot traffic or temporary disruptions in retail operations. Conversely, 'public order' offences fell by 50% compared to March, and 'anti-social behaviour' decreased by 40%, likely reflecting the transition from late winter to spring, when community engagement and outdoor activity may naturally reduce confrontational incidents. The 'other crime' category, which includes unclassified offences, rose by 50% to three incidents, a rate 76% above the UK average. This anomaly deserves closer attention, as it may indicate underreported or emerging types of crime not captured by standard categorisations. Residents may find the 100% increase in shoplifting particularly relevant, given the area's proximity to Horsham's retail corridors.

Southwater's crime rate in April 2025 fell by 15.7% compared to March 2025, declining from 3.9 to 3.3 per 1,000 residents. This downward trend aligns with seasonal patterns typically observed in built-up areas during early spring, when outdoor activity shifts from winter to more predictable rhythms. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the 30-day period, reflecting a low baseline of criminal activity relative to its population of 11,332. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the monthly exposure rate means that over the course of April, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 306 residents. This figure underscores the relatively safe environment maintained by Southwater compared to broader national trends, though it also highlights the importance of continued vigilance in areas where crime rates, while low, remain above UK averages for specific categories such as 'other crime'.