Burgess Hill Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Burgess Hill's crime rate in September 2025 rose slightly to 5.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 2.6% increase from the previous month but remaining 24.3% below the UK average of 7.4. This continued trend of lower-than-average crime reflects the area's character as a mid-sized built-up area within Mid Sussex, where community policing and local initiatives may contribute to sustained safety. The most prevalent crime types were anti-social behaviour (26.7% of all crimes), violence and sexual offences (23.0%), and criminal damage and arson (14.7%). These patterns align with seasonal factors: September brings the return of students to local schools and universities, increasing foot traffic in high streets and public spaces, which may explain the rise in anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, the UK average for anti-social behaviour is 1.2 per 1,000, a 28% deficit compared to Burgess Hill's rate, suggesting local social dynamics or reporting practices differ from national trends. The lower rates of vehicle crime (75% below UK average) and burglary (64% below) may reflect the area's relatively low density of commercial premises and strong community engagement, though these factors remain speculative without further data. The seasonal context of back-to-school and university freshers also introduces complexities, as increased youth presence in public areas could drive anti-social incidents while simultaneously reducing opportunities for property crimes through heightened surveillance and social cohesion.

September 2025 saw a notable 100% increase in bicycle theft compared to August, rising from zero to three incidents. This sharp rise coincides with the start of the academic year, suggesting that student populations in Burgess Hill may be cycling more frequently as they return to university campuses and local schools. Anti-social behaviour also surged by 27.5%, with 51 incidents reported—nearly double the UK average for this category. This could be linked to increased social activity in the town centre as students and families settle into routines. Conversely, burglary and 'other crime' both declined by 33.3%, reflecting seasonal patterns or the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures. Violence and sexual offences remained 50% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may be influenced by the area's lower population density and community-focused policing strategies. The UK average for criminal damage and arson is 0.5 per 1,000, yet Burgess Hill reported 0.8 per 1,000, 51% above the national figure—a discrepancy that could indicate higher levels of vandalism in public spaces or differences in reporting thresholds. Residents may find the 18% below UK average rate for shoplifting (0.5 per 1,000) reassuring, though this category remains a concern for local retailers during peak shopping seasons.

Burgess Hill's crime rate in September 2025 rose to 5.6 per 1,000 from 5.4 per 1,000 in August, a 2.6% increase that suggests minor seasonal fluctuations. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately six crimes per day over the 30-day period, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 179 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which is not provided in this dataset but would serve as a useful benchmark for context. The population of 34,265 residents means that even relatively small changes in crime numbers can have visible impacts on local communities, particularly during transitional months like September. The 2.6% increase in the overall crime rate may be partially explained by the influx of students and families returning to the area, though the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average. The breakdown of crimes per resident highlights the importance of localised factors—such as the presence of educational institutions and community engagement initiatives—in shaping crime patterns. While the daily crime count provides a snapshot of activity, the monthly exposure figure offers a broader perspective on how frequently residents encounter crime in their daily lives, which may influence perceptions of safety and trust in local authorities.