Mid Sussex Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Sussex's crime profile in February 2023 was defined by a striking anomaly: the rate of 'possession of weapons' was 67% above the UK average, a significant departure from the area's otherwise low crime profile. The overall crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents placed the district 49.3% below the national average of 6.9 per 1,000, a position reinforced by consistently low rates across most categories. Violence and sexual offences (214 incidents, 37.8% of total) remained the most prevalent category.3 per 1,000 — 47% below the UK average. This suggests that while interpersonal crime is present, it is not concentrated in Mid Sussex compared to other regions. The seasonal context of February — a winter month with reduced outdoor activity — likely contributed to the lower incidence of property crimes. share of violent crimes indicates that such incidents are not entirely seasonal in nature. The area's lower rates of anti-social behaviour (13.3% of total) and criminal damage (12.0%) further highlight its distinction from more densely populated urban centres, where such crimes are more common. However, the elevated rate of weapon possession raises questions about local factors, such as the presence of specific communities or enforcement patterns, that may require further analysis. The broader picture suggests a district that, while generally safe, has unique challenges that diverge from national trends, particularly in the context of weapon-related incidents.

Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.8% of all crimes in February 2023, a share that remains consistent with the area's historical profile as a region with moderate levels of interpersonal crime. This category's rate of 1.3 per 1,000 is 47% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, reflecting broader safety trends. A notable outlier was the category of 'possession of weapons', which was 67% above the UK average (0.1 per 1,000 vs 0.1 per 1,000), an anomaly that may warrant closer examination. The breakdown also showed sharp disparities: anti-social behaviour (13.3% of total crimes) and criminal damage (12.0%) were both significantly below the UK average, consistent with the area's seasonal context of low outdoor activity. For residents, the 20 crimes reported daily offer a concrete benchmark for understanding local crime density, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or commercial activity.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in February 2023, at 3.5 per 1,000 residents, translates to approximately 20 crimes reported each day. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 286 residents — a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. With a total population of 161,755, the area's relatively low crime rate positions it as significantly safer than the UK average, though this must be balanced against the specific anomaly in weapon possession. The daily crime count provides a tangible metric for residents: 20 incidents per day, spread across a district with a mix of urban and rural characteristics. This includes areas like Crawley and Horsham, which may have distinct micro-environments influencing crime patterns. The monthly exposure figure, while low, is a reminder that even in areas with overall safety, specific incidents can still occur, particularly in contexts where weapons are involved.