Burgess Hill Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 34,265 residents, July 2024 saw 238 crimes reported in Burgess Hill, translating to a crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 people. This figure places the area 16.7% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, reflecting a relatively safer environment compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (30.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (28.6%) and shoplifting (7.1%). These patterns align with seasonal rhythms typical of a mid-sized town during peak summer, when festivals, tourism, and outdoor events may influence public interactions. Violence and sexual offences, though the largest single category, remain 26% below the UK average, suggesting local factors—such as community policing efforts or seasonal social dynamics—may contribute to this divergence. Anti-social behaviour, however, exceeds the UK average by 38%, a figure that could be linked to the area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces during extended summer hours. Shoplifting rates, at 26% below the UK average, may reflect the presence of retail outlets with robust security measures or consumer awareness. The overall crime profile indicates a balance between typical urban challenges and local mitigation strategies, though the seasonal context of July—schools out, festivals, and increased foot traffic—likely shapes the distribution of specific offences.

July 2024 marked significant fluctuations in crime trends, with vehicle crime surging by 400% (from 1 to 5 incidents) and burglary rising by 140% (from 5 to 12). These spikes may be attributed to the summer period, when increased vehicle movement and open-air events could create opportunities for theft. Conversely, drugs-related crimes dropped by 75% (from 4 to 1), and bicycle theft fell by 70% (from 10 to 3), reflecting reduced demand during school holidays or enhanced security measures. Anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 28.6% of all crimes, remains 38% above the UK average, a discrepancy that could be influenced by the area’s mix of residential and commercial zones during peak tourist season. Meanwhile, shoplifting and other thefts remain below UK averages, due to the presence of high-security retail environments. The rate of violence and sexual offences—while the largest category—remains 26% below the national average, a contrast that may highlight effective local interventions or demographic factors. These shifts underscore the combination of seasonal activity and crime dynamics in Burgess Hill.

July 2024’s crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents represents a 13.9% increase from June’s 6.1 per 1,000, indicating a short-term upward trend. On a daily basis, this translates to approximately 8 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while manageable, reflects the impact of summer activities on local crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 144 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against the area’s population of 34,265, suggests a relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. However, the 13.9% month-on-month rise contrasts with the area’s 16.7% below-the-UK-average standing, illustrating the volatility of crime statistics over short periods. This fluctuation may be influenced by transient factors such as festivals or temporary increases in foot traffic, rather than long-term trends. For residents, the 8 crimes per day figure provides a tangible benchmark for understanding local crime exposure, though this does not account for unreported incidents or variations in police reporting practices. The comparison with the UK average further highlights Burgess Hill’s position as a relatively safe area, despite the recent uptick in certain crime categories.