Mid Sussex Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 saw Mid Sussex maintain a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents, 31.2% below the UK average of 7.7. This continued trend reflects the area’s broader safety profile, though recent month-on-month shifts warrant closer attention. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.5% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.7%) and criminal damage and arson (11.7%). These figures align with Mid Sussex’s character as a largely rural district with a mix of suburban and commuter-focused areas, where property crime and public order issues typically dominate. However, the seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and spring weather—may have influenced patterns. Increased outdoor activity during this period could contribute to higher incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. Violent crime rates in Mid Sussex (1.6 per 1,000) are 38% below the UK average, suggesting the area’s lower population density and community-focused policing strategies may play a role in reducing interpersonal violence. The breakdown also highlights a stark contrast in property crime: shoplifting (10.6% of total crimes) and burglary (7.1%) are both below UK averages, due to the area’s limited retail density and strong local enforcement. As the weather warms, the focus on outdoor spaces may shift crime dynamics further, requiring ongoing monitoring.

April 2024 revealed several concerning trends in Mid Sussex’s crime profile. Possession of weapons surged by 150% compared to March, rising from four to ten incidents. This sharp increase, though still low in absolute terms, may reflect heightened tensions during the Easter period or changes in local drug-related activity. Bicycle theft also spiked by 85.7%, jumping from seven to thirteen cases, potentially linked to increased cycling during spring and the Easter holidays. Meanwhile, drug-related offences rose by 66.7% (from nine to fifteen), which could indicate shifts in local drug markets or greater visibility of such crimes during warmer weather. On the other hand, theft from the person fell by 50% (from eight to four), due to fewer crowded spaces or seasonal changes in pedestrian activity. The overall crime mix remained skewed toward property crimes, which accounted for 56.4% of total incidents, compared to 30.5% for violent crimes. This balance is consistent with the area’s demographics, where suburban and rural settings often see more property-related issues than violent crime. However, the 25% increase in burglary rates above the UK average (0.4 vs 0.3 per 1,000) highlights a specific vulnerability, tied to isolated homes or seasonal property movements. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during peak outdoor hours.

Mid Sussex’s crime rate in April 2024 (5.3 per 1,000) marked a 5.6% increase from March’s 5.0, reflecting a modest upward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 191 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime per 130 residents. Daily crime statistics show an average of 28 crimes per day in Mid Sussex, a figure that, while locally relevant, does not directly compare to national daily averages. The area’s population of 161,755 means that even small percentage changes translate to tangible differences in absolute numbers. For example, the 150% rise in weapon possession cases—from four to ten—represents a shift from a negligible to a more visible level of concern. This contrast with the UK average underscores Mid Sussex’s generally safer profile, though the upward trend in specific categories demands attention. The 5.6% increase in overall crime rate, though modest, may signal a need for targeted interventions, particularly in areas where drug-related offences and bicycle theft are rising. Residents should consider these figures in the context of the area’s broader safety record, which remains markedly better than the national average.