Ardingly Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Ardingly, West Sussex, reveal a crime rate of 37.8 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 residents, indicating a greater prevalence of crime within the area. While the overall crime rate is concerning, it’s important to understand the breakdown of offences to identify key areas of concern and potential preventative measures. Examining crime trends over this period provides context, demonstrating whether the area is experiencing an increase, decrease, or stability in criminal activity. This detailed analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of safety and security within Ardingly.

The most recent crime data for Ardingly, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of offences. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest proportion of reported crimes, accounting for 28.2% of the total, with 20 incidents recorded. Following closely is Other theft, comprising 16.9% of incidents and 12 reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour also presents a notable concern, representing 14.1% of all crimes with 10 recorded instances. Criminal damage and arson, alongside vehicle crime, contribute 8.4% each, with 6 incidents apiece. Burglary and public order offences are slightly less prevalent, each representing 7.0% of incidents (5 crimes each). Shoplifting accounts for 5.6% (4 crimes) and other crimes make up 4.2% (3 crimes). This breakdown highlights the multifaceted nature of crime within Ardingly, demanding a holistic approach to safety and prevention.

Crime in Ardingly has remained stable year-on-year, showing a 4.4% change between January 2025 and December 2025. While this indicates a lack of significant upward or downward trends, the monthly data reveals fluctuations. Notably, a peak in crime occurred in June 2025 (6.9 incidents per 1,000) followed by a low in August 2025 (1.6 incidents per 1,000) and another low in December 2025 (1.1 incidents per 1,000). These variations may be influenced by seasonal factors or local events, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and responsive policing strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Ardingly

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Ardingly, it's crucial to prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone, particularly during the evening. Avoid poorly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. Secondly, secure your vehicle properly to prevent theft or damage – consider an alarm system or steering wheel lock. Thirdly, report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and that doors and windows are locked, especially when leaving the property unattended.

Crimes in Ardingly exhibit distinct time patterns. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), with 16% occurring during this period. Violence and sexual offences are more common during the evening (6pm-12am), accounting for 0% of crimes during this time. Theft is prevalent throughout the day, particularly during commercial hours in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), while vehicle crime is significantly higher overnight (12am-6am), representing 42% of incidents. Anti-social behaviour shows a more even distribution throughout the day, with a slight concentration during the afternoon. Understanding these patterns can inform targeted preventative measures.

Comparing Ardingly’s crime rate to neighbouring areas reveals a varied landscape. Balcombe has a higher rate at 43.6 per 1,000, while West Hoathly and Sharpthorne boast significantly lower rates at 0.0 per 1,000. Horsted Keynes presents a rate of 35.4 per 1,000, closer to Ardingly’s own. This comparison highlights that Ardingly's crime rate is above average compared to some nearby villages but below others, indicating a localised pattern of crime.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a burglary has occurred. While this footage can be useful for investigations, it doesn’t prevent the crime from happening. scOS offers a fundamentally different approach. Its AI-powered system proactively detects potential threats at your property boundary, using multi-camera intelligence to analyse the entire perimeter simultaneously. DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning recognises familiar faces and routines, ensuring alerts are only triggered by genuine threats. For example, if a vehicle lingers near your property, scOS will immediately alert you – preventing a potential burglary. This proactive approach, combined with autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers, creates an element of surprise that often deters criminals. The right security system isn't just about recording crime; it's about stopping it before it starts.