Haywards Heath Crime Rate

Haywards Heath maintains a strong reputation for safety, evidenced by an impressive safety score of 87/100, significantly outperforming the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate stands at 55.7 per 1,000 people per year, which is substantially lower than the national figure of 91.7. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in the area is stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 3.4%. This consistency, combined with a property crime rate of 15.7 per 1,000—well below the UK average of 32.3—suggests that Haywards Heath remains a secure and desirable location. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime dynamics to help residents and visitors understand the safety profile of this Mid Sussex town.

In Haywards Heath, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 35.3% of all recorded incidents (19.7 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.7% and public order offences at 10.0%. While these interpersonal and community-based crimes are the most frequent, property-related crime remains a significant consideration for the local population.

The overall property crime rate in Haywards Heath stands at 15.7 per 1,000 people. This figure encompasses a range of offences including shoplifting (5.9%), other theft (5.7%), and vehicle crime (3.9%). Burglary accounts for a relatively low 2.5% of total crime. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while the area maintains a high safety score, there is a persistent requirement for vigilance regarding personal belongings and vehicle security, as opportunistic theft and criminal damage (8.3%) represent a notable portion of local police activity.

The crime trend in Haywards Heath is currently stable, with a marginal year-over-year increase of 3.4%. Monthly data from the past year shows a relatively consistent level of activity, with crime rates fluctuating between a low of 4.1 per 1,000 in December 2024 and February 2025, to a peak of 5.3 in June 2025. Other notable months include September, which saw a rate of 5.2, and January at 5.1. The lack of significant spikes or sharp declines indicates a predictable environment. For residents, this stability suggests that the local safety profile is not undergoing major shifts, although the slight upward trend highlights the importance of continued community vigilance and investment in effective home security.

How To Keep Safe in Haywards Heath

The most prevalent crime type in Haywards Heath is violence and sexual offences. While the overall risk remains low compared to national averages, maintaining personal safety in public spaces is always advisable. When walking at night, stick to well-lit, populated routes and remain aware of your surroundings by avoiding the use of headphones. If you are using local transport hubs late in the evening, try to arrange for a taxi or a lift for the final leg of your journey. For those enjoying the local nightlife, always stay with your group and keep your drinks attended. Additionally, reporting any instances of anti-social behaviour to local authorities helps maintain the town's high safety standards. Finally, ensure your home and vehicle are locked even when you are nearby, as opportunistic theft can occur even in safe areas.

Analysis of crime timing in Haywards Heath reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is a peak period for theft-related offences, which comprise 47% of crimes during these hours, likely coinciding with retail activity. Conversely, the night-time hours (12am-6am) see a marked shift toward vehicle crime, which accounts for 36% of all recorded incidents in this window. Burglary also shows a slight increase in frequency during the afternoon (13%) and night (14%). Evening hours (6pm-12am) are characterised by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 57% of reports. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and retail-focused, night-time risks are more closely associated with unattended property and vehicles.

When examining the local region, Haywards Heath (55.7 crimes per 1,000) sits in a cluster of very safe settlements. It has a higher crime rate than the nearby village of Cuckfield, which records 32.1 crimes per 1,000, and Scayne's Hill, which sits at 25.7. Smaller neighbouring areas like Wivelsfield and Wivelsfield Green report virtually no crime (0.0), which is typical for smaller, more rural residential pockets. While Haywards Heath acts as a primary urban hub for these villages, its safety score remains exceptionally high, providing a secure environment that compares favourably with larger towns in West Sussex. This regional context highlights Haywards Heath as a safe central point within an exceptionally low-crime corridor.

With a property crime rate of 15.7 per 1,000, Haywards Heath residents enjoy a safer environment than much of the UK, but the presence of burglary and vehicle crime necessitates a modern approach to security. Traditional security measures often fall into the trap of being reactive—providing footage of a crime after it has occurred. For true peace of mind, proactive protection is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system represents this shift, moving from recording to prevention. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying genuine threats while ignoring routine movements. Features like DVLA vehicle verification and autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—can disrupt a criminal's intent within the first 60 seconds. In an area like Haywards Heath, where property crime is often opportunistic, the visible deterrence of a professional-grade system like scOS ensures that your home is not the easiest target, effectively preventing incidents before they can escalate.