Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a built-up area of 14,095 residents, 54 crimes reported in January 2026 translates to 3.8 crimes per 1,000 people — a figure 44.1% below the UK average of 6.8. This relatively low rate contrasts with national trends, particularly in violent crime categories. Violence and sexual offences (26 incidents) constituted nearly half (48.2%) of all recorded crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.0%) and burglary (11.1%). The seasonal context of January — a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours — may partly explain the lower incidence of outdoor crimes typically associated with busier months. However, the dominance of violent crime suggests local factors, such as community dynamics or policing priorities, could play a role. The area’s violent crime rate (1.8 per 1,000) is 28% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (0.5 per 1,000) is 46% below. These figures align with the area’s character as a smaller, more tightly knit community within Mid Sussex, where social cohesion might contribute to lower levels of disorder. The relatively high burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.3) highlights a specific vulnerability, linked to property density or targeted crime patterns in residential zones.

Month-on-month analysis reveals significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Other crime surged by 400% (from 1 to 5 incidents), while public order offences doubled (from 1 to 2). Possession of weapons also doubled, marking a 100% increase. These rises contrast with declines in vehicle crime (-66.7%, from 3 to 1), criminal damage and arson (-57.1%, from 7 to 3), and anti-social behaviour (-36.4%, from 11 to 7). The violent crime category, though remaining the largest single category, saw no direct month-on-month change but remains 28% below the UK average. This divergence from national trends suggests localised factors, such as community engagement or policing strategies, may be influencing outcomes. The category of 'other crime' — which includes unclassified or less frequent incidents — leaping to 9.3% of total crimes raises questions about potential underreporting or evolving criminal activity patterns. Meanwhile, the 73% drop in vehicle crime could reflect seasonal trends, with fewer cars on the road during winter or improved parking security measures. The area’s burglary rate, while slightly above the UK average, remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres, indicating a balance between residential density and effective crime prevention measures.

The crime rate in January 2026 (3.8 per 1,000) marked a 19.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.8 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. Translating this into daily terms, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day — a figure that, while not negligible, suggests a manageable level of activity for a community of 14,095 residents. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 261 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many urban areas but comparable to other smaller built-up communities. This ratio provides context for residents: the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is significantly lower than the UK average, where the monthly exposure would be approximately 1 in 144 residents. The population-scaled perspective also highlights the area’s relatively safe environment, with violent crime rates (1.8 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (0.5 per 1,000) both well below national benchmarks. However, the slight elevation in burglary (0.4 per 1,000) compared to the UK average (0.3) indicates a specific challenge that may require targeted interventions, such as enhanced home security initiatives or community awareness campaigns. These figures collectively illustrate a community with strong foundational safety metrics, but with opportunities for further improvement in certain areas.