Burgess Hill Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Burgess Hill’s crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents in October 2023 places it 12.5% below the UK average of 8.0, a notable distinction in national crime trends. The area’s crime profile reflects a mix of retail and community-related issues, with shoplifting accounting for 28.0% of all reported crimes—245% above the UK average for this category. Violence and sexual offences (25.1% of total crimes) remain a consistent concern, though they are 33% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (12.1%) and criminal damage (11.3%) also feature prominently, illustrating a pattern of localised disturbances that may be influenced by seasonal factors. October, with its shorter evenings and Halloween festivities, likely contributes to increased anti-social activity and shoplifting in retail areas. The data suggests a relatively stable environment compared to the UK average, though targeted efforts may still be needed to address shoplifting and public order issues. The area’s lower burglary and vehicle crime rates (both below UK averages) could reflect effective local policing or the nature of Burgess Hill as a more residential, less industrialised built-up area. These findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies that balance community engagement with specific interventions for high-impact crime types.

October 2023 saw a stark increase in bicycle theft, with cases rising by 400% from 1 to 5, a spike that may be linked to seasonal changes in cycling patterns or unsecured bike storage. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 72.7% (from 11 to 3), potentially reflecting reduced traffic during the month or heightened awareness among drivers. Violence and sexual offences, though 33% below the UK average, remained the second most common crime type, accounting for 25.1% of all reports. This contrast with the UK average highlights Burgess Hill’s unique crime dynamics, where property-related crimes dominate over violent ones. Shoplifting, at 245% above the UK average, emerged as a critical focus area, particularly given its high share (28.0%) of total crimes. Residents might find the 245% disparity in shoplifting rates particularly relevant, as it suggests a need for enhanced retail security measures. Meanwhile, the 100% increase in theft from the person (from 0 to 2) points to a growing concern for personal safety in public spaces, albeit still at a low absolute level. These fluctuations illustrate the combination of local factors and broader national trends, requiring nuanced responses to address both persistent and emerging crime patterns.

Burgess Hill’s crime rate rose by 10.3% from 6.3 to 7.0 per 1,000 residents between September and October 2023, a modest but measurable upward shift. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 8 crimes per day in October—a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns, may feel more pronounced during darker evenings. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 143 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against the area’s population of 34,265, suggests a relatively low risk of personal involvement in crime. However, the 12.5% gap between Burgess Hill’s rate and the UK average underscores its position as a safer locale compared to the national average, particularly given the 245% disparity in shoplifting rates. This contrast is amplified by the area’s lower rates of burglary (41% below UK average) and vehicle crime (81% below), which may reflect the characteristics of a built-up area with a strong residential focus rather than a high-traffic commercial hub. These comparative metrics offer residents a clear benchmark for understanding local crime trends against the broader UK context, highlighting both areas of strength and those requiring targeted attention.