Mid Sussex Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Sussex's crime rate for September 2023 stood at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 36.3% deficit compared to the UK average of 8.0. This position places the area firmly within the safer end of the national spectrum, a trend consistent with its historical performance. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 30.5% of all reported incidents (253 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.7%, 147 cases) and public order offences (11.7%, 97 cases). These figures align with the area's character as a largely rural district with a mix of suburban and commuter-focused settlements, where community engagement and lower population density may contribute to lower rates of violent crime. However, the seasonal context of September—marking the return to school and university freshers' week—may have influenced the mix of offences, with anti-social behaviour and public order issues likely tied to increased social activity in local town centres. The lower-than-average rates for property crimes, such as shoplifting (11% below UK levels) and vehicle crime (58% below), suggest that Mid Sussex's retail and transport infrastructure may benefit from targeted security measures or a demographic profile less prone to such offences. While the overall rate remained stable, the slight seasonal shifts in crime patterns highlight the dynamic interplay between local rhythms and policing effectiveness.

September 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Possession of weapons increased by 66.7% (3 to 5 incidents), a sharp rise that may reflect heightened enforcement or seasonal activity. Other crime also rose by 57.1%, potentially linked to the start of the academic year and increased foot traffic in areas near educational institutions. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 27.5% (109 to 79 incidents), due to improved retail security measures or reduced footfall in high streets as nights draw in. Theft from the person dropped by 50%, a decline that could align with lower pedestrian activity during shorter evenings. Violence and sexual offences remained 42% below the UK average at 1.6 per 1,000, while anti-social behaviour was 33% below the national rate. These patterns suggest that while certain categories are rising, the area's overall crime profile remains significantly safer than the UK average.

Mid Sussex's crime rate for September 2023 rose slightly to 5.1 per 1,000 residents, a 3.8% increase from August's 5.0. This modest uptick contrasts with the area's consistent performance below the UK average, which remains at 8.0 per 1,000. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 28 incidents, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 195 residents over the month. This figure highlights the relatively low exposure to crime in Mid Sussex compared to national trends, despite the small rise in September. With a population of 161,755, the area's crime profile remains distinct from densely populated urban centres, where higher rates are typically observed. The slight increase may reflect seasonal shifts, such as the start of the academic year, but the overall rate remains well below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community factors that contribute to sustained lower crime levels.