Burgess Hill Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Burgess Hill during November 2023 reveals a combination of community dynamics and seasonal influences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 25.2% of all reported crimes, making them the most prevalent category, followed by shoplifting at 22.7% and anti-social behaviour at 15.6%. This distribution suggests that the area's crime profile is shaped by a combination of factors, including the presence of retail hubs that attract shoplifters and the need for community engagement to address anti-social conduct. The elevated rate of shoplifting—191% above the UK average—points to a potential link between the area's commercial activity and the frequency of such incidents, particularly during high-traffic periods like Black Friday. However, the relatively low rate of violent crime, which is 31% below the UK average, indicates that Burgess Hill may benefit from a more stable social environment compared to other parts of the country. This could be attributed to the town's character as a commuter suburb with a strong residential focus, where public spaces are generally well-maintained. The seasonal context of November, with its dark evenings and events like Bonfire Night, may have contributed to a slight increase in public order offences, though these remained below the UK average. Overall, the crime mix highlights the importance of targeted interventions in retail areas while maintaining the positive trends in reducing violent crime. The data also suggests that community-based approaches, such as anti-social behaviour initiatives, could play a key role in sustaining the area's current safety profile.

November 2023 saw a sharp 166.7% increase in vehicle crime, rising from three to eight incidents. This jump may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased parking activity during the post-Black Friday shopping period or changes in traffic patterns. Robbery also doubled, with two incidents reported, though this remains a relatively small figure in the context of the area's overall crime profile. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 19.4% compared to the previous month, declining from 67 to 54 incidents. This decrease, while modest, is notable given that shoplifting remains 191% above the UK average. The category's persistent elevation suggests a need for targeted interventions in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour, though only 5% above the UK average, remained a consistent concern, with 37 incidents reported. This figure, while not extreme, underscores the ongoing challenge of managing public conduct in communal spaces. Meanwhile, drugs-related crimes plummeted by 75%, from four to one incident, potentially reflecting seasonal shifts in drug-related activity or the impact of local law enforcement efforts.

Burgess Hill's crime rate remained stable at 7.0 per 1,000 residents in November 2023, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately eight crimes per day, a figure that reflects both the population density and the distribution of crime types. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 144 residents, a metric that contextualizes the scale of criminal activity within the local community. This monthly exposure rate is particularly useful for residents seeking to understand the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives. While the area's rate is 6.7% below the UK average, the breakdown of crime types reveals a distinct local profile. For instance, shoplifting remains significantly higher than the UK average, potentially influenced by the area's retail presence and seasonal shopping events. In contrast, violent crime rates are lower than the national average, which may be linked to the town's character as a relatively quiet commuter town with limited nightlife. These comparisons highlight the importance of analyzing crime data through both local and national lenses to gain a comprehensive understanding of safety trends.