Balcombe Crime Rate

About Balcombe

Balcombe records an overall crime rate of 44.2 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.1 per 1,000 people, indicating a notably safe urban environment. The village boasts an excellent safety score of 90 out of 100, which is considerably higher than the UK average safety score of 78/100. The latest data suggests a stable crime trend, with a slight increase of 2.5% year-on-year, reinforcing Balcombe's consistent reputation as a secure place to live.

Crime in Balcombe: A Detailed Breakdown

In Balcombe, the most prominent crime types are Violence and sexual offences, Criminal damage and arson, and Anti-social behaviour. Violence and sexual offences occur at a rate of 14.4 per 1,000 residents, constituting 32.5% of all reported crimes. Criminal damage and arson follows with 5.3 per 1,000, making up 12.1% of the total, while Anti-social behaviour stands at 4.8 per 1,000, contributing 10.8% to the overall crime figures.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 16.5 per 1,000 people per year. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these statistics highlight a very low risk of property crime, but maintaining vigilance and securing homes remains a sensible precaution.

Crime Trends in Balcombe

Balcombe has maintained a stable crime trend, showing a slight increase of 2.5% year-over-year. This indicates a consistent level of safety within the area. Monthly crime rates have shown some fluctuations, starting at 2.1 per 1,000 in November 2024, rising to a peak of 6.4 in March 2025, and then settling around 5.3 in October 2025. This stable pattern suggests that while minor variations occur, there hasn't been a significant surge or sharp decline in crime. For residents, this stability offers reassurance about the consistent safety measures and community environment in Balcombe.

How To Keep Safe in Balcombe

With Violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in Balcombe, accounting for a significant portion of reported incidents, it is important to be proactive about personal safety.

Here are some localised tips to help you stay safe:

• Be aware in public spaces: When enjoying local amenities or public areas, remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially during evenings.
• Report suspicious activity: If you witness anything that concerns you, report it to the local police immediately. Community vigilance plays a vital role in preventing crime.
• Secure your property: Ensure your home and any outbuildings are securely locked. Consider good quality locks, an alarm system, and external lighting to deter opportunistic criminals.
• Mind your belongings: In public areas, keep an eye on your personal belongings to deter opportunistic theft.

Crime Time Patterns in Balcombe

Crime patterns in Balcombe show varying activity across different periods of the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft is the most significant crime type at 35%, followed by 'other' crimes at 33%, and burglary at 19%. This period likely reflects increased daytime activity. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) continues to see theft as a major category at 36%, with burglary increasing to 30%. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes become the dominant category at 50%, while burglary remains high at 26%, suggesting a shift towards residential vulnerability. Overnight (12am-6am), burglary significantly increases to 31%, highlighting a period of heightened vulnerability for unattended properties.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Comparing Balcombe's crime rate of 44.2 per 1,000 people with nearby urban settlements offers valuable regional context. Balcombe is notably safer than Handcross (38.3 per 1,000) and Ardingly (37.8 per 1,000). The data for Staplefield and Worth Abbey indicates a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, which may suggest incomplete reporting or extremely low incidents. This comparison positions Balcombe as having a low crime rate relative to some of its immediate neighbours, offering residents a strong sense of local security.

Proactive Protection for Your Home in Balcombe

Balcombe benefits from a low property crime rate of 16.5 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK average. While this indicates a safe environment, proactive home security remains a wise investment. Relying solely on reactive security, which only records incidents after they occur, may not provide the comprehensive protection homeowners desire.

For those seeking to prevent crime rather than just document it, an AI-powered system like scOS offers a robust solution. Unlike basic CCTV that merely captures footage of a burglary, scOS actively prevents it by detecting threats at your property's perimeter. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures no area is overlooked, and advanced features such as DVLA vehicle verification can swiftly identify suspicious vehicles. By learning your family's routines, scOS intelligently filters out false alarms, ensuring you're only notified of genuine threats. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to disorient potential intruders, often causing them to abandon their attempts within the critical 60-second decision window. Opting for professional-grade security like scOS provides a strong deterrent and real-time intervention for your Balcombe home.