Mid Sussex Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Mid Sussex

Mid Sussex experiences an overall crime rate of 58.4 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, indicating a significantly safer environment compared to the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This is further reflected in its impressive safety score of 87 out of 100, notably higher than the UK average of 78. Over the past year, the area has seen a stable trend in crime, with a modest decrease of 4.0% year-over-year. These figures provide a reassuring overview for residents and visitors, setting the stage for a more detailed examination of local crime patterns and trends.

About Mid Sussex

Mid Sussex is a large Local Authority District characterised by a mix of market towns, villages, and rural landscapes, situated within West Sussex. Its population of over 160,000 residents enjoys a predominantly suburban and rural quality of life, which often contributes to lower crime rates compared to more densely populated urban centres. The area benefits from good transport links, including train lines to London and Brighton, attracting commuters and supporting local businesses. While it lacks major industrial zones, the district features vibrant high streets, local amenities, and agricultural areas. The stable, largely residential population and a strong sense of community are likely factors in its favourable safety profile, fostering an environment where residents generally feel secure.

Crime Type Analysis in Mid Sussex

In Mid Sussex, an analysis of crime types reveals that Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 3,183 crimes or 19.7 per 1,000 residents, making up 33.7% of all recorded incidents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, with 1,827 crimes (11.3 per 1,000), comprising 19.3% of the total. Criminal damage and arson rank third, with 792 recorded incidents (4.9 per 1,000), making up 8.4% of all crime.

When considering property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Mid Sussex records a rate of 19.2 per 1,000 residents. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively secure environment for homeowners and residents. Specifically, burglary stands at 2.4 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 2.8 per 1,000, and other theft at 3.8 per 1,000. These figures indicate that while property crime exists, residents and homeowners in Mid Sussex face a lower risk than in many other parts of the UK.

Crime Trends in Mid Sussex

Mid Sussex has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with an encouraging decrease of 4.0% year-over-year. This indicates a consistent effort in maintaining public safety and potentially a positive impact from local initiatives. Looking at the monthly data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents has fluctuated within a narrow range. For instance, rates were 5.1 in October 2024, dipping to 4.3 in November 2024, and then rising to 5.1 in March 2025. A slight peak was observed in July 2025 at 5.9 per 1,000, before settling to 4.7 in September 2025. Overall, while there are minor monthly variations, the overarching trend points towards a sustained level of safety without significant spikes. For residents, this stable and slightly decreasing trend offers reassurance about the long-term safety of the area.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a regional context, Mid Sussex compares favourably with several neighbouring areas. Crawley, a larger urban centre, typically experiences higher crime rates due to its more bustling nature and transport links. Horsham, often seen as a comparable market town, shares a similar demographic profile and generally stable crime figures. Tandridge, located to the north-east, and Mole Valley to the west, both predominantly rural districts, also exhibit relatively low crime rates, aligning with the quieter character of Mid Sussex. In contrast, Brighton and Hove, a major coastal city, naturally presents a much higher crime rate given its significant nightlife, tourism, and larger population density. Reigate and Banstead, to the north, offers a mixed urban and rural landscape, with its crime rates often sitting between the more rural districts and the larger urban areas. Mid Sussex maintains a strong position among these neighbours, generally offering a safer environment, particularly when compared to its more urban counterparts.

Protecting Your Home in Mid Sussex

Given Mid Sussex's property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national average, it's still vital for homeowners to consider proactive security measures. While traditional CCTV systems provide footage after a burglary, true peace of mind comes from preventing crime before it happens. An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a proactive approach, detecting threats at your property boundary, not after an intruder has gained access. This multi-camera intelligence watches all areas simultaneously, learning your routines to only alert on real threats. For instance, it can verify vehicles via DVLA to catch fake plates instantly, a significant advantage over reactive systems. The goal is to deter potential burglars within their crucial 60-second decision window. Visible deterrence from professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making your property a less attractive target and ensuring they move on. This shifts the focus from merely recording an incident to actively preventing it.