Burgess Hill Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Burgess Hill’s December 2023 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents places it 34.7% below the UK average, a position that reflects a combination of geographic, demographic, and seasonal factors. As a built-up area within Mid Sussex, the town’s relatively low crime rate may be influenced by its suburban character, with a mix of residential and commercial zones that foster community engagement and localized policing. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 28.0% of all incidents, yet this rate remains 50% below the UK average—a disparity that could be attributed to the area’s lower population density and stronger social cohesion compared to larger urban centres. Shoplifting and criminal damage followed as the next most common categories, with the former showing a 55.6% month-on-month decline, likely tied to the seasonal lull in retail activity and heightened security measures during the Christmas period. The area’s crime profile also highlights a significant gap in drug-related offences, which rose sharply by 200% (1 to 3), a trend that may be linked to increased illicit activity during the holidays or changes in enforcement priorities. These patterns are consistent with Burgess Hill’s seasonal rhythm, where December’s dark evenings, holiday-related social changes, and temporary displacement of residents (e.g. empty homes during the festive season) may create conditions that both suppress and amplify certain types of crime. The overall crime rate’s alignment with broader UK trends, despite its geographic uniqueness, underscores the combination of local characteristics and national crime dynamics. While the area’s low violent crime rate is a notable strength, the sharp increase in drug-related incidents suggests a need for targeted monitoring, particularly as December’s festive environment may obscure underlying patterns that emerge during the year.

December 2023 witnessed a dramatic 200% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from one to three incidents, a stark departure from the usual trend. This surge, though small in absolute terms, raises questions about potential shifts in local drug activity during the festive period. Concurrently, anti-social behaviour fell by 64.9% (37 to 13), possibly linked to reduced public gatherings during the holidays or enhanced community policing efforts. Shoplifting also dropped sharply by 55.6% (54 to 24), a change consistent with the seasonal slowdown in retail activity and increased security measures during Christmas. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, accounting for 28.0% of all incidents, yet still 50% below the UK average. This contrast highlights Burgess Hill’s unique profile, where violent crime is significantly lower than national rates, even as other categories show more volatile patterns. Residents may find the 55.6% decline in shoplifting particularly relevant, as it suggests fewer thefts during the high-demand holiday shopping period.

Burgess Hill's December 2023 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 32.4% decline from the previous month’s 7.0 per 1,000, reflecting a notable shift in local crime dynamics. This reduction aligns with seasonal patterns, as December typically sees fewer anti-social incidents due to holiday-related social restrictions and increased community cohesion during festive periods. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately five crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with historical norms, contrasts with the UK average’s higher frequency. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 213 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests a relatively low risk environment compared to other areas. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Burgess Hill’s crime profile remains significantly below the UK average, with violent crime rates 50% lower than the national benchmark. This combination of factors—seasonal moderation, community engagement, and geographic context—positions the area as a safer place during the festive season, though localized spikes in specific categories like drug-related crimes warrant closer examination.