Mid Sussex Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The most striking development in July 2023 was the sharp rise in shoplifting, which jumped by 165.9% compared to the previous month, far outpacing other crime categories. This anomaly contrasts with Mid Sussex's overall crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents — 24.1% below the UK average of 8.3 — which suggests the area's generally low crime profile remains intact despite this spike. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.8% of all reported crimes, the largest single category, but their rate (1.9 per 1,000) was 32% below the UK average, consistent with the district's character as a largely rural area with lower population density. Anti-social behaviour followed at 16.3%, though this too was 30% below the UK average. The seasonal context of July — peak summer, school holidays, and a surge in tourism — likely contributed to the shoplifting increase, as festivals and outdoor events may have created more opportunities for theft in retail areas. While this spike is notable, the broader picture remains one of relative safety, with property crimes (400 incidents) and violent crimes (313 incidents) maintaining a roughly balanced split in the crime mix. The UK average for shoplifting is 0.6 per 1,000, but Mid Sussex's rate of 0.7 per 1,000 was 17% above, a small but significant deviation that may warrant closer attention in future analyses.

July 2023 saw a dramatic 165.9% increase in shoplifting, rising from 44 to 117 incidents — the largest single-month jump in this category. This spike, despite the overall crime rate remaining below the UK average, may partly reflect seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic during summer festivals and events. Meanwhile, theft from the person surged by 200%, from 2 to 6 incidents, suggesting targeted opportunism in crowded areas. In contrast, drug-related crimes fell 46.4%, possibly linked to the summer holidays reducing casual drug use in public spaces. The area's violence and sexual offences rate (1.9 per 1,000) was 32% below the UK average, a consistent trend that likely reflects Mid Sussex's character as a largely rural district with lower population density. These shifts highlight the combination of local geography and seasonal activity.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in July 2023 rose 33.4% compared to June, reaching 6.3 per 1,000 residents — still 24.1% below the UK average of 8.3. This translates to roughly 33 crimes reported each day, or one crime for every 159 residents over the course of the month. While the increase from the previous month is notable, the area remains significantly safer than the national average. The population context — 161,755 residents — means the monthly total of 1,015 crimes reflects a manageable burden relative to local demographics. This contrast with the UK average highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies, though the month-on-month rise suggests temporary factors may have influenced crime patterns. Daily crime figures provide a tangible sense of frequency, helping residents contextualise their safety within the broader picture.