Mid Sussex Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 saw Mid Sussex maintain a crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents, 30.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure positions the area as one of the safer local authority districts in England, though seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping may have influenced specific crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.4% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.7%) and shoplifting (11.4%). The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with some UK regions, where property crimes often lead. The 100% increase in theft from the person and 50% drop in bicycle theft highlight the volatility of specific categories, likely tied to November's unique dynamics. The area's relatively low crime rate may reflect a combination of geographical characteristics—a mix of rural and suburban landscapes—and community-focused policing strategies. However, the slight uptick in violence and sexual offences (1.7 per 1,000) compared to the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 suggests that targeted interventions in high-risk areas could further reduce this category. The seasonal context of November, with its dark evenings and concentrated retail activity, likely contributed to fluctuations in shoplifting and public order offences. Overall, the data illustrates a nuanced picture where systemic factors and transient events both shape the crime profile.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in theft from the person, which doubled from four to eight incidents—a 100% increase. This spike may partly explain the 100% rise in robbery (from six to eight) and aligns with the seasonal context of Black Friday shopping, which typically sees heightened retail activity and associated risks. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 50% (from 16 to eight), potentially reflecting improved security measures or reduced opportunities during shorter winter evenings. Shoplifting remained slightly above the UK average (0.6 vs 0.6 per 1,000), a nuance that contrasts with the overall 30.7% deficit compared to the national rate. The sharp drop in anti-social behaviour (down 20.1%) and drugs-related offences (down 38.1%) suggests targeted interventions may be showing early signs of impact. For residents, the 100% increase in theft from the person serves as a direct reminder to remain vigilant in high-traffic areas during peak shopping periods.

Mid Sussex's November 2023 crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents marked a 3.9% decline from October's 5.4 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but sustained reduction in overall crime. Over 30 days, this equates to approximately 28 crimes reported daily, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity in a localised timeframe. On a monthly basis, one reported crime occurred for every 192 residents, a statistic that provides a tangible measure of risk for those living in the area. This rate remains 30.7% below the UK average, highlighting Mid Sussex's relatively safer profile compared to the national picture. The population context further underscores that even with 842 total crimes, the distribution across 161,755 residents means most individuals experience no direct impact. The reduction in anti-social behaviour (down 20.1%) and drugs-related offences (down 38.1%) suggests ongoing efforts in community policing may be having a measurable effect.