Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint, 3.9 crimes were reported in December 2024—a rate 45.1% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of approximately 2 crimes per 14,095 residents, or one crime for every 256 residents over the course of the month. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (20% of total), shoplifting (18.2%), and anti-social behaviour (16.4%). These figures align with the area’s seasonal rhythm: December’s long nights and Christmas shopping peak likely contribute to higher rates of violence and property crime. However, the area remains safer than the UK average, particularly for violent crime, where the rate of 0.8 per 1,000 is 69% below the national figure. This may reflect the area’s character as a relatively quiet commuter town with limited nightlife, reducing opportunities for violent incidents. Conversely, shoplifting’s 23% above the UK average could be linked to the presence of retail outlets along the A23 corridor, which remains open during holiday hours. The balance between property and violent crime—property crimes making up 50.9% of the total—suggests that while the area is not immune to theft, its broader safety profile is shaped by its demographic and geographic context.

December saw sharp increases in vehicle crime (+133.3%) and anti-social behaviour (+125.0%), with 7 vehicle-related incidents and 9 reports of anti-social behaviour. These spikes may reflect the logistical challenges of holiday travel and the strain of seasonal gatherings on local infrastructure. Meanwhile, violent crimes fell by 65.6% compared to the previous month, from 32 to 11 incidents. This drop is consistent with the seasonal pattern of reduced public activity during December, when many businesses and schools close, limiting opportunities for confrontations. Shoplifting, though remaining the second most common crime, rose 23% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This could be attributed to the presence of high-traffic retail hubs, which remain operational during the holiday season. The rate of criminal damage and arson fell 57.1% from 7 to 3 incidents, due to the closure of some properties during the festive period. For residents, the 23% above UK average for shoplifting serves as a specific insight: while the area is generally safer than the national average, targeted theft at local stores warrants awareness during peak shopping times.

The crime rate in December 2024 (3.9 per 1,000) marked a 31.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the seasonal slowdown in public activity typical of December, when schools and businesses close, reducing potential crime hotspots. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day in December—a pace that, while not negligible, remains significantly lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 256 residents, a figure that contextualises the risk in terms of population density. Given the area’s built-up status within Mid Sussex, this monthly exposure rate suggests that crime remains a low but present concern for local households. The comparison to the UK average also highlights regional differences: while the national rate includes major urban centres with higher crime concentrations, Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint’s lower density and suburban character likely contribute to its safer profile. For residents, understanding these figures in relation to population size helps frame the likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life, offering a more tangible measure of safety than raw numbers alone.