Burgess Hill Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The most striking finding in August 2023 was the 250% surge in shoplifting compared to the UK average, with 72 incidents recorded—accounting for 32.3% of all crimes in the area. This figure, at 2.1 per 1,000 residents, far outpaces the national rate of 0.6 per 1,000 and suggests a significant challenge for local retailers and law enforcement. Burgess Hill's overall crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents was 19.8% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a position that reflects the area's character as a relatively low-crime built-up area within Mid Sussex. The top crime types were shoplifting (32.3% of total), followed by violence and sexual offences (23.3%) and anti-social behaviour (12.1%). August's peak holiday season likely influenced some patterns, with the seasonal context indicating that empty homes during August could increase burglary risks, though this was not reflected in the data. The relatively low rates of violent crime—43% below the UK average—suggest that Burgess Hill's social fabric and community policing efforts may be contributing to this outcome. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting raises questions about whether targeted retail areas are experiencing heightened activity, linked to summer shopping or tourism patterns. The data also shows that anti-social behaviour and public order offences were both significantly below the UK average, by 44% and 33% respectively, which may reflect the area's quieter, more residential nature compared to larger urban centres.

August 2023 saw a 37.5% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 8 to 11 incidents. This jump contrasts sharply with the 75% drop in drug-related crimes, which fell from 4 to 1. Public order offences also declined by 60%, from 30 to 12, likely reflecting the quieter nature of August compared to busier months. The most striking anomaly was shoplifting, which occurred at a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents—250% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This figure suggests a significant localised issue, possibly linked to retail activity or seasonal shopping patterns. Meanwhile, violent crimes remained 43% below the UK average, with 52 incidents reported. The sharp contrast between shoplifting and other categories indicates a complex mix of factors influencing crime trends in Burgess Hill this month.

Burgess Hill's crime rate in August 2023 fell to 6.5 per 1,000 residents, a 20.6% drop from the previous month's rate of 8.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of August, which typically sees reduced foot traffic in retail areas and fewer tourists in the area. On a daily basis, 7 crimes were reported each day in August, a figure that remains consistent with the area's historical patterns. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 154 residents experienced a reported crime, a ratio that underscores the relatively low exposure compared to larger urban centres. The population context further highlights the area's lower crime profile: with 34,265 residents, the total of 223 crimes represents a manageable burden for local services. This contrast with the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000 illustrates Burgess Hill's position as a safer built-up area within Mid Sussex, though the sharp increase in shoplifting suggests localized pressures that may require targeted attention.