Ditchling Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Ditchling

Ditchling experiences a low overall crime rate of 43.3 per 1,000 residents per year, positioning it as a significantly safer area compared to the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. This contributes to Ditchling achieving an impressive safety score of 91 out of 100, well above the national average of 78. Over the past year, the crime rate in Ditchling has shown an increasing trend, with a notable rise of 22.0% year-over-year. This upward trend provides important context for residents reviewing local crime statistics.

Crime Type Analysis in Ditchling

In Ditchling, the most common crime types are Anti-social behaviour, Violence and sexual offences, and Burglary. Anti-social behaviour is reported at 12.9 per 1,000 residents, accounting for 29.7% of all crimes. Violence and sexual offences follow with 10.9 per 1,000 residents (25.2%), and Burglary at 6.2 per 1,000 residents (14.4%).

Property-related crime in Ditchling stands at 15.6 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary (6.2 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1.9 per 1,000), other theft (2.7 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (3.9 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a low risk of property-related offences, although the notable percentage of burglary within the top crimes highlights the importance of proactive security measures.

Crime Trends in Ditchling

Ditchling has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a significant rise of 22.0% in overall crime year-over-year. Monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents show fluctuations, with lower rates observed in November (2.3), January (2.3), February (2.3), and September (1.2) of 2025. Peaks were noted in June (6.6), May (5.1), and April (5.1), indicating periods of higher activity, possibly linked to seasonal factors. This upward trend suggests a need for residents to be aware of local crime patterns and consider appropriate preventative measures.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Ditchling

Crime in Ditchling exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a high proportion of burglary (27%) and theft (32%), alongside vehicle crime (14%). The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees burglary becoming even more dominant at 43%, with theft remaining significant at 32%. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), burglary remains high at 38%, while other crime types (37%) and vehicle crime (13%) also contribute. During the night (12am-6am), burglary is still very high at 41%, with vehicle crime increasing to 30%, often targeting unattended properties and vehicles.

Comparing Ditchling with Nearby Areas

Ditchling's crime statistics offer a useful comparison to several neighbouring settlements. Westmeston, a very small rural settlement, would naturally have extremely low crime figures. Plumpton and Plumpton Green, both small villages, generally exhibit lower crime rates. Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint, being larger villages, often present slightly higher crime figures due to increased population and activity. Ditchling's overall crime rate of 43.3 per 1,000 and safety score of 91/100 positions it as a very safe village, with crime levels generally lower than its larger neighbours and comparable to or slightly higher than its more rural counterparts.

Protecting Your Home in Ditchling

With Ditchling's low property crime rate of 15.6 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the UK average, residents already benefit from a secure environment. However, for those seeking the highest level of home protection, moving beyond reactive security to proactive prevention is key.

AI-powered systems like scOS offer advanced defence. Instead of simply recording a burglary after it happens, scOS actively prevents it by detecting threats at your property boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning capabilities work together to identify genuine threats while ignoring routine activity. This autonomous response, which includes activating lights and engaging speakers, eliminates the element of surprise for intruders. The presence of professional-grade security like scOS acts as a powerful deterrent, making burglars decide within 60 seconds to move on to an easier, less protected target.