Ditchling Crime Rate

Ditchling Crime Statistics

Ditchling maintains a high standard of safety, evidenced by its safety score of 91/100. The area's overall crime rate is 40.2 per 1,000 people per year, which is less than half the UK national average of 93.1. While Ditchling remains a secure and desirable Sussex settlement, it has experienced an increasing trend in crime, with a 14.4% rise year-over-year. This growth is largely driven by anti-social behaviour and property-related offences. Despite the increase, the area is significantly safer than most urban environments in the UK. This report examines the specific crime breakdown, monthly trends, and temporal patterns to provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of the local safety landscape.

Crime in Ditchling

Ditchling's crime statistics are primarily defined by anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, and burglary. Anti-social behaviour is the most frequent report, making up 31.1% of all crime with a rate of 12.5 per 1,000 residents. Violence and sexual offences follow at 25.2%, while burglary is the third most significant category at 11.7%.

The overall property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—stands at 13.3 per 1,000 people. While this is well below the UK average of 32.9, the burglary rate of 4.7 per 1,000 is high enough to warrant attention from local homeowners. Unlike many similar-sized settlements where burglary is rare, Ditchling sees a consistent number of these offences. This means that while the area is generally very safe, residents should take property security seriously, as burglary represents a notable portion of the local crime mix compared to other categories like shoplifting or drugs.

Ditchling Crime Trends

The crime trend in Ditchling is currently upward, with a 14.4% increase in total offences over the last year. Detailed monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated significantly. The year began with relatively low rates of 2.3 in early 2025, but saw a sharp rise during the spring and summer months. April and May both recorded rates of 5.1, followed by a yearly peak of 6.6 in June 2025.

Following this summer high, the crime rate began to subside, dropping to 3.9 in July and eventually returning to a low of 1.2 by September and October 2025. This suggests that while the annual trend is increasing, much of that growth was concentrated in the middle of the year. Residents should be aware that summer months may bring increased activity, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and property crime, while the autumn and winter periods appear historically quieter.

How To Keep Safe in Ditchling

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is the most common crime type in Ditchling, accounting for 31.1% of all reported incidents. While often considered a nuisance crime, it can impact the quality of life for residents.

1. Report Incidents Promptly: Use the non-emergency 101 number or online reporting tools to log ASB. Consistent reporting helps local police allocate resources to the areas that need them most.
2. Improve Perimeter Lighting: ASB and opportunistic burglary often occur in poorly lit areas. Installing motion-activated lighting around your property can discourage loitering and attempted break-ins.
3. Secure Shared Spaces: If you live in a property with communal areas, ensure that gates and doors are kept closed and that unauthorized access is challenged or reported.
4. Community Vigilance: Join a local Neighbourhood Watch or community group. Sharing information about suspicious activity or recurring ASB helps the entire village stay alert.
5. Protect Your Property: With burglary being a top-three crime in Ditchling, ensure all ground-floor windows are locked and consider upgrading to a smart security system that offers real-time boundary detection.

Crime Timing in Ditchling

Ditchling exhibits a concerning pattern regarding property crime, particularly burglary, which remains high across all time periods. The afternoon is the most frequent time for burglaries, accounting for 45% of all crimes in that window. This suggests that properties are often targeted when residents are at work or running errands. The risk remains high at night (43%) and in the evening (40%), indicating that offenders are active both when homes are empty and when residents are likely to be asleep.

Vehicle crime follows a more traditional pattern, peaking during the night-time hours (12am - 6am) where it represents 29% of all incidents. Theft is most common during the morning and afternoon, aligning with the village's active commercial hours. For residents, the data highlights the need for constant property vigilance, as burglary in Ditchling does not strictly follow the typical 'night-only' pattern seen in other areas. Ensuring home security is active 24/7 is essential for Ditchling homeowners.

Local Context and Comparisons

In the local regional context, Ditchling sits in the middle of the safety spectrum. Its crime rate of 40.2 per 1,000 people makes it safer than the larger neighbouring areas of Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint, which have a combined rate of 60.0. However, it is notably more active than the smaller settlement of Plumpton Green, which records a rate of just 19.5. Nearby rural parishes such as Westmeston and Plumpton reported no crimes at all, highlighting that as a more established urban settlement, Ditchling naturally attracts a higher volume of incidents than its most rural neighbours. For those seeking a balance between village life and safety, Ditchling remains a highly secure option compared to the wider UK average.

Proactive Security in Ditchling

With burglary accounting for 11.7% of all crime in Ditchling and property crime rates reaching 13.3 per 1,000, homeowners should consider more than just standard recording devices. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed, which does little to prevent the distress and loss associated with a break-in. In a village like Ditchling, where burglary is a statistically significant concern, proactive protection is a more effective strategy.

The scOS security operating system uses advanced AI to monitor your property's perimeter 24/7. Unlike DIY cameras that send frequent false alerts for animals or passing cars, scOS learns your family's routines and only alerts you to genuine threats. Most importantly, it is designed to prevent crime. By identifying a potential intruder at the boundary and responding autonomously with lights or audio, it destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Ditchling residents, this means moving from reactive recording to active deterrence, ensuring that your home remains secure even during the afternoon and night-time hours when burglary rates peak.