Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint, the crime rate in December 2025 (4.8 per 1,000) translates to a daily risk that is significantly lower than the UK average. This figure, 31.4% below the national rate of 7.0 per 1,000, reflects the area’s character as a built-up region within Mid Sussex — a mix of residential communities and local amenities that may contribute to its relatively low crime profile. The most common crimes reported were violence and sexual offences (31 incidents, 46.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (11 incidents, 16.4%) and criminal damage and arson (7 incidents, 10.5%). These patterns align with the area’s seasonal context: December’s dark evenings and holiday-related social gatherings likely increased opportunities for violence, while the presence of local shops and community spaces may have contributed to anti-social behaviour. The area’s violent crime rate (2.2 per 1,000) is 14% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), a trend that may be partly explained by the area’s relatively small population and strong community ties. However, the higher-than-average burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000, 43% above the UK average) raises questions about property security, particularly in areas with older housing stock or limited surveillance. The seasonal context of December — with its peak retail activity, party season, and empty homes over holidays — may have created conditions where certain crimes, like shoplifting and vehicle crime, are more likely to occur. While the overall crime rate is low, the mix of offences suggests that local factors, such as the timing of holiday events and the layout of public spaces, continue to shape the area’s crime picture.

December 2025 marked a sharp increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 1 to 3 — a 200% surge. This spike aligns with the month’s peak retail activity, as Christmas shopping draws more foot traffic to local stores. Conversely, public order offences fell by 83.3%, from 6 to 1, possibly due to fewer people gathering in public spaces during the holiday period. Vehicle crime also dropped by 62.5%, from 8 to 3, likely reflecting reduced commuter activity and fewer cars parked in residential areas. The area’s violent crime rate (2.2 per 1,000) is 14% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), a trend consistent with the built-up area’s relatively low population density and strong community policing. However, burglary remains an outlier, with a rate (0.4 per 1,000) 43% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), suggesting targeted vulnerabilities in property security. Residents may find the 200% shoplifting increase particularly relevant, as it underscores the need for vigilance in retail zones during the festive season.

In December 2025, the crime rate in Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint dropped to 4.8 per 1,000 residents, a 14.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.5. This reduction positions the area as one of the safer built-up regions in the UK, with a crime rate 31.4% below the national average. Locally, this translates to roughly 2 crimes reported per day across 31 days — a figure that, while non-zero, is lower than many comparable areas. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for roughly every 210 residents, a monthly exposure rate that suggests most households experience no direct impact. This statistic, when contextualised against the area’s population of 14,095, reinforces the relative safety of the community compared to larger urban centres where crime rates are typically higher. The drop in vehicle crime and public order offences — which fell by 62.5% and 83.3% respectively — may reflect seasonal shifts, with fewer people in public spaces during the holiday period and reduced traffic due to fewer commuters. However, the rise in shoplifting and drug-related offences highlights areas requiring closer attention, particularly as December’s peak retail activity and social gatherings may have created new opportunities for certain types of crime.