Steyning Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Steyning

Steyning, a built-up area with a population of 4,702 residents, reports an overall crime rate of 80.8 per 1,000 people per year. While this figure is below the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment, it is higher than some neighbouring areas. The area maintains a solid safety score of 86 out of 100, which is above the national average of 78. However, Steyning has experienced an increasing trend in crime, with an 18.4% rise year-over-year. These statistics provide a clear overview of the local crime landscape, highlighting its comparative safety while noting a recent upward shift in criminal activity.

Crime Breakdown in Steyning

An examination of crime types in Steyning reveals Shoplifting as the most prominent category, with 159 incidents, accounting for 33.8 per 1,000 residents and a substantial 41.8% of all recorded crimes. Violence and sexual offences rank as the second most common offence, with 57 crimes (12.1 per 1,000, 15.0% of total), impacting community safety. Anti-social behaviour is the third most frequent, with 42 incidents (8.9 per 1,000, 11.1% of total), indicating issues related to public behaviour.

Steyning's property crime rate is 51.0 per 1,000 people per year, which is higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses Burglary (8 crimes, 1.7 per 1,000), Other theft (16 crimes, 3.4 per 1,000), Shoplifting (159 crimes, 33.8 per 1,000), Criminal damage and arson (32 crimes, 6.8 per 1,000), Vehicle crime (15 crimes, 3.2 per 1,000), Robbery (7 crimes, 1.5 per 1,000), Bicycle theft (1 crime, 0.2 per 1,000), and Theft from the person (2 crimes, 0.4 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a higher risk of property-related offences, particularly shoplifting, requiring increased vigilance and security measures.

Crime Trends in Steyning

Steyning has experienced a significant increasing crime trend, with an 18.4% rise in total crimes year-over-year. This indicates a notable upward shift in crime activity over the past twelve months. Reviewing the monthly trend data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated considerably, starting at 8.3 in October 2024 and reaching a peak of 13.8 in June 2025. There was a sharp increase in February 2025 (12.1) and May 2025 (10.4), followed by a dip towards September 2025 (2.3). This overall upward trajectory suggests that local authorities and residents need to be particularly vigilant and proactive in addressing the rising crime levels.

Time Patterns of Crime in Steyning

An analysis of crime patterns throughout the day in Steyning BUA reveals distinct trends. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the most prevalent crime type at 33%, alongside 'other' crimes at 43% and vehicle crime at 17%, as residents commute and commercial areas open. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees an increase in theft to 37% and 'other' crimes to 43%, with burglary at 14%, likely driven by heightened activity in public spaces. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become most significant at 63%, with theft at 13% and vehicle crime at 14%, reflecting social activities and potential public order issues. Night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a notable surge in vehicle crime to 39% and 'other' crimes to 41%, with burglary at 13%, suggesting a focus on unattended properties during hours of darkness.

Crime in Nearby Areas

To contextualise Steyning's crime statistics, it is helpful to compare them with neighbouring built-up areas such as Bramber, Upper Beeding, Small Dole, and Sompting. These settlements, mostly within the Horsham local authority, offer a localised perspective on crime. Steyning's crime rate, particularly its higher property crime rate due to shoplifting, might stand out against some of its more rural neighbours like Bramber and Small Dole. Upper Beeding offers a closer comparison in terms of settlement size and characteristics. Sompting, being closer to the larger urban area of Worthing, might present a different crime profile. These comparisons help residents understand Steyning's relative safety within its immediate geographical context, highlighting areas where vigilance is particularly important.

Protecting Your Property in Steyning

Given Steyning's property crime rate of 51.0 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national average, adopting robust home security measures is essential. Traditional security solutions, such as basic CCTV cameras, often provide footage only after a burglary has occurred, acting reactively rather than preventatively. For truly effective protection, a proactive approach is crucial.

An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS is designed to prevent crime before it happens. It actively detects threats at your property boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence to monitor all cameras simultaneously. Unlike systems that merely record incidents, scOS intervenes in real-time. Features such as autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, destroy the element of surprise for intruders. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; visible and intelligent deterrence from professional-grade equipment like scOS encourages them to move on, providing superior protection against property-related offences, particularly given the higher local risk.