Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint recorded a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents in November 2023, placing the area 26.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure, while slightly higher than the previous month’s rate of 5.4, remains a testament to the area’s generally low crime profile. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.7% of all incidents, a rate of 2.2 per 1,000 that is 15% below the UK average. This category’s increase may be influenced by the seasonal context of November, with longer evenings and the proximity of Bonfire Night potentially contributing to higher levels of interpersonal conflict. Public order offences followed closely, with 16 incidents reported—108% above the UK average—highlighting a need for community-focused interventions. The area’s lower rates of property crimes, such as shoplifting (27% below UK average) and burglary (71% below UK average), suggest that the built-up nature of Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint, with its mix of residential and commercial spaces, may offer some protection against these types of crime. However, the rise in violence and public order offences underscores the importance of addressing local factors that may exacerbate tensions during this time of year.

November 2023 saw a 100% increase in shoplifting, with six incidents reported—double the previous month’s figure. This surge aligns with the timing of Black Friday, a period when retail areas often see heightened theft activity. Concurrently, the possession of weapons rose by 100%, moving from one to two incidents, a concerning trend that may reflect seasonal factors such as increased alcohol consumption during Bonfire Night. Violence and sexual offences also increased by 55%, reaching 31 cases, a jump that may be partly explained by the darker evenings and the dispersal of crowds following local events. Public order offences were 108% above the UK average, with 16 incidents reported, suggesting a need for closer attention to community cohesion and public space management. In contrast, anti-social behaviour fell sharply by two-thirds, due to reduced foot traffic in the area during the late autumn period.

The crime rate in Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint for November 2023 rose slightly by 2.6% compared to October 2023, moving from 5.4 to 5.5 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is modest, it underscores the need for continued vigilance. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three reported crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the persistent nature of local crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 181 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when considered alongside the area’s population of 14,095, illustrates the relative safety of the built-up area. However, this aggregate figure masks shifts in crime types, with certain categories showing marked increases. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that, despite the slight upward trend, the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average, reinforcing the area’s generally safer profile compared to national standards.