Steyning Crime Rate

Steyning is a safe and desirable urban settlement, with an overall crime rate of 74.0 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average of 91.7. The area also boasts a high safety score of 86/100, which is above the national average of 79. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Steyning is increasing, with a 12.3% rise year-over-year. This upward movement is primarily driven by a high rate of shoplifting within the local retail sector. While the area remains generally safe for residents, the increase in property-related offences suggests that both businesses and homeowners should be more mindful of their security. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the crime types, time patterns, and trends within the Steyning area.

Crime Breakdown in Steyning

In Steyning, the most common crime types are shoplifting (37.9%), violence and sexual offences (18.7%), and anti-social behaviour (10.3%). The high percentage of shoplifting is particularly notable for a settlement of this size, reflecting the importance of its local retail sector.

Property crime in Steyning occurs at a rate of 44.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 32.3. This total includes criminal damage and arson (9.2% of total crime), other theft (4.6%), vehicle crime (3.2%), and burglary (2.6%). For homeowners and business owners in Steyning, this means that while violent crime is less frequent than in many other areas, property-related offences—especially those linked to retail and vandalism—represent a significant portion of local crime activity. Maintaining robust security for both commercial and residential properties is recommended to mitigate these risks.

Crime Trends in Steyning

The crime trend in Steyning is currently increasing, with a 12.3% rise in reported offences year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a highly fluctuating pattern. The year began with a crime rate of 2.8 per 1,000 in December, rising significantly to 12.1 in February and 8.3 in March.

Another major peak occurred in the early summer, reaching 10.4 per 1,000 in May and 13.8 in June. The rates then settled back down towards the end of the year, finishing at 4.7 in November. This volatility suggests that crime in Steyning can be subject to significant local spikes, potentially linked to specific events or retail activity. Residents and business owners should remain vigilant year-round, but take extra care during these peak periods.

How To Keep Safe in Steyning

Shoplifting is the most common crime type in Steyning, accounting for over a third of all reports. While this primarily affects businesses, residents should remain vigilant in shopping areas and keep their personal belongings secure.

Violence and sexual offences are the second most common issue. To stay safe, particularly at night, it is important to stay in well-lit areas and travel with others whenever possible. Anti-social behaviour is also a factor, so engaging with your local community and reporting any persistent issues to the local police can help maintain the high safety standards of your neighbourhood.

For homeowners, vehicle crime and burglary are the main property concerns. Ensure that all doors and windows are locked, and that vehicles are not left with valuables on display. Given that burglaries in Steyning are most likely to occur at night and in the afternoon, extra vigilance during these times is recommended. By staying alert and taking these simple steps, you can help keep Steyning a safe place to live.

Crime Time Patterns in Steyning

In Steyning, crime activity varies throughout the day. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are peak periods for theft-related offences, which account for 39% and 41% of crimes during these hours respectively. This is largely driven by shoplifting activity in the local retail sector.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), theft decreases while 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, become more prominent at 60%. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a significant spike in vehicle crime, which accounts for 33% of offences during this period. Burglary is a concern throughout the day, representing 16% of reports in the afternoon and 17% at night. These patterns suggest that retail-related crimes are concentrated during business hours, while property-related offences occur when residents are either away or asleep.

Steyning sits in a relatively safe part of the country. When compared to nearby settlements like Bramber and Upper Beeding, it presents a higher risk profile, which is typical for a larger settlement with more retail activity. Other neighbours like Small Dole and Sompting report very low or zero crime rates. For those seeking a high-quality residential environment with relatively low crime rates while remaining close to major amenities, Steyning offers an excellent balance of safety and accessibility.

Proactive Home Protection in Steyning

With a property crime rate of 44.0 per 1,000 people, Steyning residents face a level of risk for theft and burglary that is higher than the national average. In an area where retail crime is prevalent, opportunistic offences can also affect residential properties. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, are often reactive, providing footage of an incident only after it has occurred. In an area where crime is increasing, the goal should be to prevent any such incident from ever happening.

The scOS AI-powered security system provides this proactive protection by monitoring your property's boundaries in real-time. Its advanced AI can distinguish between normal activities and potential threats, ensuring you are only alerted when it truly matters. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and audio warnings to stop an intruder before they gain entry. For Steyning homeowners, this professional-grade technology reinforces the area's safety, providing peace of mind that your home is actively protected rather than just recorded.