The question of whether shoplifting incidents are increasing in Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint is a common concern for residents and business owners. Based on available data, the answer is nuanced. Currently, the area of Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Mid Sussex, has a crime rate of 60.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Crucially, the crime rate trend for the area has been stable over the past year, showing a change of only 3.5% year-on-year. This suggests that while incidents occur, there hasn't been a significant upward surge in shoplifting specifically, or crime generally. It's important to remember that this data represents a broad measure of crime, and doesn’t isolate shoplifting figures alone.
Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint also boasts a strong safety score of 86 out of 100, which is considerably higher than the UK average of 79. This score reflects the overall perception of safety within the area, encompassing various factors beyond just crime statistics. The population of Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint is 14,095, and the safety score provides a useful comparative benchmark.
It's worth noting that even with a stable trend and a high safety score, vigilance remains essential. Reporting suspicious activity to the police is always encouraged, and businesses should consider implementing preventative measures such as improved CCTV coverage, staff training on theft prevention, and security tagging for high-value items. While the data doesn't indicate a rising shoplifting problem, proactive measures can help maintain the area's safety and security.