Mid Sussex Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 brought a 3.9% increase in Mid Sussex's overall crime rate to 4.0 per 1,000 residents. below the UK average of 7.5. The area's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (37.9% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.2%) and public order issues (10.2%). These figures align with the district's character as a mix of rural and semi-urban environments, where community interactions and public spaces contribute to patterns of anti-social activity. The seasonal context of April—Easter, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—likely influenced the rise in certain categories, such as burglary, which may have been exacerbated by temporary changes in household occupancy during the holiday period. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category, remain significantly below UK averages, suggesting that local factors such as strong community policing and lower population density may contribute to this trend. However, the sharp 63.2% increase in burglary cases highlights a specific vulnerability, tied to seasonal fluctuations in property security. Anti-social behaviour's 45.8% month-on-month rise may reflect the dynamics of public spaces during the Easter period, when foot traffic and events could create opportunities for such incidents. Despite these increases, the overall crime rate remains low, illustrating the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies. The area's crime picture also shows marked underperformance in UK comparisons for categories like vehicle crime (78% below average) and shoplifting (58% below), which may be attributed to the relatively low density of retail hubs and transport infrastructure compared to major urban centres. This data underscores the importance of tailored interventions that address specific risks while maintaining the district's overall safety profile.

April 2023 marked a notable 63.2% increase in burglary cases, rising from 19 to 31 incidents. This sharp rise, though still low by UK standards, suggests vulnerabilities in residential security, possibly linked to seasonal transitions as Easter holidays brought temporary changes in occupancy patterns. Anti-social behaviour also surged by 45.8%, with incidents rising from 72 to 105, a trend that may reflect increased outdoor activity during spring and the Easter period. In contrast, shoplifting dropped by 38.3%, aligning with broader declines in vehicle crime (-35.5%) and theft from the person (-50.0%), due to heightened police presence or seasonal shifts in consumer behaviour. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category (37.9% of total crimes), but at 1.5 per 1,000, this rate is 42% below the UK average, illustrating the area's generally lower exposure to violent crime despite the recent uptick in property-related offences.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in April 2023 rose by 3.9% compared to March 2023, moving from 3.9 to 4.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. This slight upward trend, though modest, suggests a need for vigilance in areas experiencing specific increases. Daily crime statistics show an average of 22 crimes reported each day in April, a figure that, while low compared to national averages, reflects the local context of a largely rural district with pockets of urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 250 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area well below the UK average but highlights the importance of local awareness. With a population of 161,755, the relatively low crime rate underscores the effectiveness of community policing and the lower density of high-risk environments typical of Mid Sussex's geography. However, the increase in specific categories such as burglary and anti-social behaviour indicates areas requiring targeted attention.