East Grinstead Crime Rate

East Grinstead is a safe urban settlement with a crime rate of 58.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. The area enjoys a high safety score of 87/100, far exceeding the national benchmark of 79. Additionally, East Grinstead has seen a substantial 14.2% decrease in crime year-over-year, indicating a continuing improvement in local safety. While violence and sexual offences are the most common reports, the absolute volume remains low. The following analysis provides a detailed look at East Grinstead's crime statistics, including property crime analysis and specific time-based insights to help residents maintain their high level of security.

In East Grinstead, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 34.1% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 19.8 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour (20.4%) and criminal damage and arson (8.1%) are the next most frequent categories. These statistics suggest that social-related issues and opportunistic damage are the primary concerns for the local community.

Property crime in East Grinstead is recorded at a rate of 20.3 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. This includes shoplifting (4.6 per 1,000), other theft (4.1 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.4 per 1,000), and burglary (2.0 per 1,000). For residents, this means that the statistical risk of property theft or a home break-in is much lower than in many other urban areas. However, the presence of shoplifting and criminal damage in the top crime types suggests that both residential and commercial properties still benefit from consistent security awareness to deter opportunistic offences. Homeowners should focus on securing their properties to maintain their safety in an area with a generally secure profile.

East Grinstead's crime trend is currently decreasing, with a 14.2% reduction in total offences over the past year. Monthly data shows a relatively stable and low rate, with most months seeing between 4.4 and 5.7 crimes per 1,000 people. There was a peak in March 2025 at 5.7, but this was followed by a decline back to 5.0 in November. This overall downward trajectory is a positive sign for the community and reinforces East Grinstead's position as a safe town. The low baseline and continuing decrease provide a secure environment for residents within the Mid Sussex local authority area.

How To Keep Safe in East Grinstead

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in East Grinstead, though the overall volume is low. Standard personal safety advice applies: stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in quieter areas after dark. Letting someone know your plans and sticking to well-lit paths is always a sensible precaution.

A specific concern in East Grinstead is the timing of property offences, with 49% of theft occurring in the afternoon. To keep your belongings safe, ensure that all items are kept out of sight and that your home is securely locked even when you are nearby. For vehicle owners, the night-time spike in vehicle crime (45% of night-time reports) means that double-checking your car is locked and parked in a secure, well-lit area is a vital habit. Since criminal damage is also a factor, using motion-activated lighting around your property can be a powerful deterrent. By following these simple, localised tips, East Grinstead residents can help maintain the town's reputation as one of the safest places to live.

Crime in East Grinstead follows distinct time-based trends, particularly regarding property offences. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the busiest period for theft, which accounts for 49% of all crimes during these hours, often occurring while residents are active. Morning hours (6am-12pm) also see a high percentage of theft-related reports (44%). In contrast, the night-time period (12am-6am) is the peak time for vehicle crime, representing 45% of all offences during these early hours. Burglary risk is relatively evenly distributed between afternoon and night. These patterns suggest that while daytime security should focus on preventing theft, overnight efforts should be prioritised towards vehicle protection.

In the local area, East Grinstead is a standout performer for safety. It has a similar or better safety profile compared to nearby Ashurst Wood (47.8) and Felbridge (53.0). While it is more active than the very small hamlet of Felcourt, which reported no crime, it compares very favourably to larger urban centres in the region. East Grinstead offers a premier safety profile for the Mid Sussex region, providing a secure and tranquil environment for its residents. Its 87/100 safety score is a testament to the town's superior security, making it a highly desirable location for those who prioritise peace of mind.

East Grinstead's property crime rate is low at 20.3 per 1,000 people, but the fact that theft and criminal damage still occur means that residents should not be complacent. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, often only provide footage of an incident after it has occurred. In an area as safe as East Grinstead, the goal of security should be to maintain that safety by deterring any potential threats before they escalate.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the ideal solution for this. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour in real-time. Whether it is someone loitering near your home in the afternoon or an unknown person approaching at night, scOS can respond autonomously with security lights or audio alerts. This destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. With features like pattern learning and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS ensures that you are only alerted to real threats. This professional-grade protection ensures that your East Grinstead home remains as secure as the statistics suggest.