Balcombe Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Balcombe

Balcombe records an overall crime rate of 41.5 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, placing it significantly below the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This positive picture is reinforced by an excellent safety score of 90 out of 100, which is well above the UK average of 78, indicating a very secure environment for its population. Over the past year, the area has experienced a decreasing trend in crime, with a notable reduction of 11.4% year-over-year. These figures provide a reassuring foundation for understanding the local crime landscape, with further details on specific crime types and temporal patterns explored below.

Crime Type Analysis in Balcombe

In Balcombe, the most prevalent crime type is Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 24 incidents or 12.8 per 1,000 residents, representing 30.8% of all recorded crimes. Burglary ranks as the second most common, with 10 crimes (5.3 per 1,000), making up 12.8% of the total. Criminal damage and arson completes the top three, with 10 incidents (5.3 per 1,000), comprising 12.8% of all crime.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Balcombe experiences a rate of 17.0 per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting a very low risk for homeowners. Specific figures include burglary at 5.3 per 1,000, vehicle crime at 2.1 per 1,000, and other theft at 3.2 per 1,000. These statistics indicate that residents and property owners in Balcombe benefit from an exceptionally safe environment against property-related offences compared to many other UK locations.

Crime Trends in Balcombe

Balcombe has experienced a positive decreasing crime trend over the past year, with a significant reduction of 11.4% year-over-year. This indicates a sustained improvement in local safety. Monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents show some variations: October 2024 saw a rate of 2.7, which then remained at 2.1 in November 2024. A peak was observed in March 2025 at 6.4 and April 2025 at 5.9, with the rate settling at 3.2 in September 2025. Despite these monthly variations, the overall trend points towards a sustained positive trajectory in reducing crime. For residents, this decreasing trend offers reassurance about the improving safety of the area.

Crime Time Patterns in Balcombe

Crime patterns in Balcombe exhibit distinct variations throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft is the most prominent crime, accounting for 29% of incidents, alongside burglary at 22% and vehicle crime at 13%. This suggests a vulnerability for unattended properties and vehicles during working hours. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees an increase in burglary, reaching 34% of crimes, with theft at 29%, likely linked to increased commercial activity and opportunities. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), the 'Other' crime category dominates at 52%, which can include public order and anti-social behaviour, while burglary remains high at 28%. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a shift, with vehicle crime peaking at 27% and burglary at 34%, as properties and vehicles are often left unattended overnight.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Balcombe compares favourably with its immediate neighbours in terms of crime rates. Ardingly, Staplefield, Worth Abbey, and Handcross, all smaller settlements, typically exhibit lower crime figures due to their more rural and less densely populated characteristics. Balcombe maintains an exceptionally strong safety record that aligns closely with its rural surroundings, making it a very secure place to live within the Mid Sussex district. Residents may find value in comparing specific crime types to understand local nuances.

Protecting Your Home in Balcombe

With a property crime rate of 17.0 per 1,000 residents in Balcombe, which is lower than the national average, it remains prudent for homeowners to consider robust security measures. Relying solely on traditional CCTV to record a burglary is a reactive approach; true protection comes from preventing the crime. An advanced AI-powered home security system like scOS offers proactive defence, detecting potential threats at the property boundary before an intrusion can occur. Unlike systems that merely notify you after the fact, scOS intervenes in real-time. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all angles simultaneously, learning your routines to differentiate between legitimate activity and real threats. This professional-grade deterrence makes a significant difference, as most burglars decide to move on within 60 seconds of encountering visible, effective security. Investing in such a system can transform your home security from a recording device to an active crime prevention solution.