Mid Sussex Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Mid Sussex, 4.5 crimes were reported in May 2023, a rate 43.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure, while modest, translates to a daily risk that is significantly lower than the national context. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.2% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.8% and public order offences at 12.0%. These figures suggest a crime profile shaped by interpersonal dynamics rather than property-related issues, which often dominate in more densely populated areas. The seasonal context of May, with its longer evenings and bank holidays, may have contributed to increased socialising in public spaces, a factor that could partially explain the rise in violence and anti-social behaviour. However, Mid Sussex’s crime rate remains lower than the UK average for virtually every category, including vehicle crime (56% below) and burglary (35% below), reflecting a broader pattern of safety that may be influenced by the area’s suburban and rural characteristics. The relatively low incidence of theft from the person and bicycle theft, both at 100% below the UK average, further supports the idea that the area’s crime profile is distinct from urban centres where such offences are more common. This combination of factors—seasonal influences, population density, and local characteristics—illustrates a community where crime is less frequent but not absent, requiring a nuanced understanding of both local and national trends.

May 2023 saw notable increases in specific crime categories, with robbery and theft from the person both doubling compared to April, and drug-related offences rising by 69.2%. These shifts suggest a potential uptick in targeted activities, possibly linked to the seasonal changes in social behaviour. The overall crime mix remained skewed towards violent and anti-social offences, which together accounted for over 48% of all incidents, a pattern that contrasts with the UK average where property crimes often dominate. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.5 per 1,000, were 46% below the UK rate, a disparity that may reflect the area’s lower population density and suburban character. Residents might find the 43.8% gap from the UK average reassuring. month-on-month increase in overall crime highlights the need for continued vigilance. The sharp rise in drug-related offences, from 13 to 22, could signal localised pressures that require further exploration.

In May 2023, Mid Sussex’s crime rate rose 12.0% from 4.0 to 4.5 per 1,000 residents compared to April, marking a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 23 crimes each day, a figure that, while consistent with historical trends, reflects the ongoing presence of crime in a population of 161,755. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 223 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. This statistic, when contextualised within the area’s population size, suggests that the risk of encountering crime remains modest for most residents. However, the increase from April may indicate seasonal influences, such as the extended evenings and bank holidays in May, which could encourage more outdoor socialising and higher levels of activity in public spaces. The comparison to the UK average highlights Mid Sussex’s continued position as a safer area, though the upward trend in May warrants attention to local factors that might be contributing to the shift.