West Chiltington Crime Rate

West Chiltington is a notably safe urban settlement within Horsham, characterized by a very low overall crime rate of 24.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly below the UK average of 91.7, contributing to an impressive safety score of 94/100. The local crime landscape is currently stable, showing a minor year-over-year decrease of 1.2%. Residents benefit from a peaceful environment where property crime is a fraction of the national average. The following data provides a detailed analysis of crime types, seasonal trends, and temporal patterns to help residents and prospective homeowners understand the safety profile of this Sussex village.

Crime in West Chiltington

Violence and sexual offences represent the most frequent reports in West Chiltington, accounting for 37.4% of all activity with 31 recorded incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson (13.2%) and anti-social behaviour (10.8%). While these figures are low by national standards, they form the core of local policing concerns.

Property crime in West Chiltington remains exceptionally low at 8.7 per 1,000 residents. This category includes 7 burglaries, 5 vehicle crimes, and 7 instances of 'other theft'. For homeowners, this suggests a very low risk of intrusion or theft compared to urban centres, though the presence of criminal damage (3.2 per 1,000) indicates that opportunistic vandalism still occurs within the village. Residents should remain vigilant regarding outbuildings and perimeter security to maintain these low figures.

Crime Trends in West Chiltington

The crime trend in West Chiltington is currently classified as stable, with a marginal 1.2% decrease in total offences over the last year. This indicates a highly consistent safety environment for residents. Analysis of the monthly data reveals that December 2024 saw the highest activity with a rate of 4.9 per 1,000, possibly linked to seasonal factors.

Following this peak, the rate dropped significantly, reaching its lowest points in March, April, and November 2025, each recording just 1.2 crimes per 1,000. There was a slight mid-year increase in May (2.6) and July (2.3), but these remained well below national levels. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator, suggesting that the village is not experiencing the rising crime rates seen in larger urban settlements across the UK. Local safety initiatives appear to be maintaining the area's secure status effectively.

How To Keep Safe in West Chiltington

The most prevalent crime type in West Chiltington is violence and sexual offences, which often includes domestic-related incidents or low-level verbal altercations. To maintain your personal safety in the area, consider the following advice:

1. Maintain awareness of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly in less-lit areas during the winter months, and stick to well-trodden paths.
2. Join or support the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any unusual activity or suspicious individuals reported by fellow residents.
3. Ensure that all home entry points, including side gates and garage doors, are secured with high-quality locks to deter opportunistic trespassing.
4. If you witness anti-social behaviour or public order issues, report them promptly to the local police via the non-emergency 101 number to help maintain the village's peaceful character.
5. Consider installing a proactive security system that monitors your property boundaries, providing an early warning of any unwanted visitors.

Crime Timing in West Chiltington

The temporal distribution of crime in West Chiltington reveals specific windows of vulnerability. Property crimes, particularly theft, are most concentrated during the morning (35%) and afternoon (36%), suggesting that opportunistic offenders may target the area during peak activity hours. Conversely, burglary remains a persistent threat throughout the day and night, with 33% of incidents occurring in the early hours (12am - 6am).

Vehicle crime also shows a distinct peak at night, accounting for 26% of crimes during that period. This pattern is typical for residential villages where cars are often left on driveways overnight. 'Other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences, tend to increase in the evening, making up nearly half of all reports between 6pm and midnight. Understanding these patterns allows residents to tailor their security habits, such as ensuring vehicles are cleared of valuables before dusk.

When considering the wider Horsham region, West Chiltington offers a very secure profile. It is significantly safer than the nearby settlement of Pulborough, which has a much higher crime rate of 64.8 per 1,000 residents. However, it does sit adjacent to several smaller areas—Nutbourne, Abingworth, and Thakeham—which recorded zero crimes during the same period. This suggests that while West Chiltington is a safe hub, the surrounding rural landscape is even more tranquil. For those looking for a balance between village amenities and security, West Chiltington compares very favourably to its more active neighbours.

Proactive Security for West Chiltington

While West Chiltington enjoys a property crime rate of just 8.7 per 1,000, significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3, the impact of a single burglary can be devastating. Traditional security measures in the area often rely on reactive CCTV or basic alarms. However, modern protection requires a shift from recording crimes to preventing them entirely.

The scOS AI-powered operating system represents the next generation of home security. Rather than providing you with footage of a theft after it has occurred, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to identify threats at your property boundary. By recognising routines and distinguishing between residents and intruders, it can trigger autonomous responses—such as engaging speakers or activating floodlights—the moment an unauthorised person enters your perimeter. In a quiet area like West Chiltington, the element of surprise is a burglar's greatest weakness; scOS destroys that advantage instantly, ensuring your home remains a sanctuary rather than a statistic.