Burgess Hill Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2023, Burgess Hill recorded 281 crimes, equating to 8.2 crimes per 1,000 residents—a rate 1.2% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This figure, while slightly better than the national benchmark, reflects the impact of summer seasonality on local crime dynamics. The most prevalent crimes were shoplifting (24.9% of total incidents), violence and sexual offences (22.8%), and anti-social behaviour (15.7%). These patterns align with the area's characteristics as a commuter town with retail hubs and leisure facilities that attract both local residents and visitors. The surge in shoplifting, which was 233% above the UK average, likely stems from increased foot traffic during the summer months and the presence of high-street retail centres. Meanwhile, the lower-than-average rates of violent crime (32% below UK figures) and burglary (39% below) suggest that the area's community policing and surveillance infrastructure may be effectively mitigating certain risks. However, the sharp rise in public order offences (45% above UK rates) and criminal damage (41% above) indicates challenges in managing crowds during festivals and outdoor events. These findings underscore the need for adaptive strategies to address seasonal fluctuations while maintaining the area's generally lower crime profile compared to national averages.

July 2023 saw a dramatic 233% increase in shoplifting, rising from 21 to 70 incidents. This spike, coupled with an 114% rise in public order offences and a 200% increase in robberies, signals a significant shift in crime patterns. Shoplifting rates in Burgess Hill were 233% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), likely driven by summer tourism and extended retail hours. Conversely, violent crime rates were 32% below the UK average (2.8 per 1,000), a contrast that may reflect the area's lower population density and community-focused policing efforts. Other crime incidents fell by 50%, from 2 to 1. These changes highlight the seasonal volatility in crime and the need for targeted interventions during peak summer months.

Burgess Hill's crime rate in July 2023 (8.2 per 1,000) represents a 51.9% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.4 per 1,000. This surge translates to approximately 9 crimes reported daily, a figure that underscores the heightened activity during the summer period. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 122 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents within a population of 34,265. This monthly exposure rate, while not alarmingly high, suggests a noticeable uptick in criminal activity compared to the prior month. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the increase is most pronounced in property-related crimes, particularly shoplifting, which saw a 233% rise. This context helps residents understand the relative scale of the issue and its implications for community safety.