Burgess Hill Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Burgess Hill’s overall crime rate in May 2024 stood at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.8% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This performance reflects a combination of effective policing strategies and the area’s character as a relatively stable built-up area within Mid Sussex. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (accounting for 23.7% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.4%) and public order offences (11.9%). These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of May, when longer evenings and bank holidays often lead to increased outdoor socialising and drinking in local centres. While the area remains safer than the UK average overall, the breakdown reveals specific concerns: public order and shoplifting rates were 27% and 25% above the UK average, respectively. This may be linked to the town’s retail presence and the social dynamics of its population during the spring season. The relatively low rates of burglary (35% below UK average) and vehicle crime (57% below) suggest that the area’s infrastructure and community engagement efforts are likely contributing to reduced property-related offences. However, the rise in public order incidents underscores the need for continued vigilance, particularly in areas with high foot traffic during evenings and weekends.

May 2024 saw notable spikes in specific crime categories, with possession of weapons surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and other crime increasing by 166.7% (from 3 to 8). These jumps, though not yet reaching UK average levels, signal emerging concerns that residents should monitor closely. The increase in possession of weapons may be partially explained by the extended evenings and increased socialising typical of May, though no definitive causal link can be established. Meanwhile, public order offences rose to 26 cases, a 27% increase above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, and shoplifting also exceeded the UK average by 25%, with 26 incidents recorded. This could reflect the impact of retail activity during the Easter and May bank holiday periods, though further analysis would be needed to confirm. Conversely, several categories showed declines: burglary fell by 45.5% (from 11 to 6), and bicycle theft dropped by 33.3% (from 3 to 2), due to reduced outdoor activity during colder May nights or increased awareness among cyclists. Residents should be particularly mindful of the sharp rise in possession of weapons, which may indicate a need for heightened awareness in public spaces during late hours.

Burgess Hill’s crime rate in May 2024 rose slightly from 6.1 per 1,000 in April to 6.4 per 1,000, a 4.8% increase. This translates to roughly 7 crimes per day across the built-up area, with one reported crime occurring for every 156 residents over the course of the month. When compared to the UK average, the area’s overall safety remains significantly better, but the month-on-month change highlights the need for continued monitoring. The daily crime count, while relatively low, underscores that even small fluctuations can have local impact. For context, the monthly exposure figure of 1-in-156 residents is lower than the UK average, which typically sees higher rates in urban centres. However, the rise in public order and shoplifting offences suggests that specific micro-areas within Burgess Hill—such as its retail hubs—may be experiencing pressures that differ from the broader trend. The population context further illustrates that, despite the 4.8% increase, the area’s crime profile remains far from the UK norm, with violent crime rates 47% below the national average. This contrast highlights the effectiveness of local policing and community initiatives in maintaining safety, even as targeted issues like public order require ongoing attention.