Mid Sussex Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Mid Sussex in October 2023 reveals a mix of trends that highlight both strengths and areas for attention. With an overall crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents—32.5% below the UK average—the area continues to demonstrate a lower-than-national-level incidence of crime. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 29.3% of all reported incidents. While this figure is 41% below the UK average, it suggests that local factors such as community engagement or policing strategies may be contributing to the reduced severity of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 16.4% of incidents, and was 30% below the UK average. This balance of crime types indicates a focus on addressing interpersonal conflicts and disorder, which may be influenced by the area’s character as a largely residential and semi-rural district with limited nightlife compared to major urban centres. Seasonal factors, including the transition to darker evenings and the timing of Halloween, may have played a role in shaping crime patterns. For instance, the increase in bicycle theft could be linked to the return of students and commuters after the summer break, while the drop in public order offences may reflect effective local management of seasonal events. The data also shows that shoplifting rates in the area are 21% above the UK average, a discrepancy that might be explained by the presence of high-foot-traffic retail areas or a lack of targeted prevention measures. Overall, the crime mix in Mid Sussex points to a community where violent crime is relatively low, but property-related and minor disorder offences remain persistent challenges, requiring tailored approaches to ensure sustained safety.

October 2023 saw a sharp increase in bicycle theft, with incidents rising by 166.7% compared to the previous month. This surge may be linked to the start of the academic year, as students and commuters return to the area, potentially increasing the number of bikes on the road. Conversely, public order offences fell by 27.8%, a decline that could reflect the impact of Halloween events being managed more effectively or a reduction in alcohol-fuelled incidents during the month. Shoplifting remained a concern, with rates 21% above the UK average, suggesting that retail areas may still be vulnerable to theft. Meanwhile, violent crimes accounted for 29.3% of all incidents, though this figure is 41% below the UK average, indicating that the area’s violent crime profile is comparatively less severe than the national picture. These trends underscore the need for targeted interventions in specific crime categories while maintaining overall safety.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in October 2023 rose by 5.4% compared to the previous month, moving from 5.1 to 5.4 per 1,000 residents. This slight increase, though modest, reflects ongoing fluctuations in local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 28 crimes per day in October, a figure that provides context for the frequency of incidents in a typical day. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 184 residents, underscoring the relatively low incidence of crime compared to the UK average. With a population of 161,755, the area’s crime rate remains well below the national benchmark, suggesting a generally safe environment. However, the month-on-month rise indicates that local factors—such as seasonal shifts or changes in community activity—may be influencing crime trends. The population-scaled perspective further highlights that, despite the increase, the likelihood of an individual experiencing crime remains significantly lower than in many other regions.