Mid Sussex Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Sussex's July 2024 crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents placed it 33.3% below the UK average of 8.4, a position consistent with the area's historical pattern of lower-than-average criminality. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.6%) and criminal damage and arson (10.5%). These figures align with the district's character as a largely rural and semi-rural area with a mix of commuter suburbs and historic market towns, where property crime tends to be less concentrated than in major urban centres. The seasonal context of July—peak tourism, school holidays, and summer festivals—may have influenced patterns, with anti-social behaviour potentially linked to increased foot traffic and social gatherings. However, the data also reveals a notable shift in crime composition: while violence and sexual offences remained high, the category 'Other crime' surged to 42 incidents, a level that is 76% above the UK average. This anomaly, though not yet at a concerning level, suggests the need for further investigation into what constitutes this category locally. The absence of significant spikes in property crime—such as burglary (0.2 per 1,000) or vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000)—further supports the hypothesis that Mid Sussex's crime profile is shaped more by social dynamics than economic deprivation, a common feature in rural areas with lower population densities. The overall rate, while modest, remains a reminder that even in relatively safe areas, specific crime types can emerge as unexpected focal points.

July 2024 saw a striking 180% surge in 'Other crime', rising from 15 to 42 incidents. This sharp increase, though still below the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, highlights a potential emerging trend that warrants local scrutiny. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 18.6% (59 to 48), aligning with a broader UK trend of declining retail crime during summer months. The category 'Other crime' also stands out as 76% above the UK average, a disparity that may reflect localised factors such as increased informal activities during the school holiday period. Meanwhile, drug-related incidents dropped by 40.9% (22 to 13), possibly linked to seasonal changes in substance use patterns or enhanced enforcement. The 5.6 crime rate, while lower than the UK average, masks a shift in crime composition, with violence and sexual offences (32% of total) and anti-social behaviour (20.6%) remaining dominant, though both are below their respective UK averages by 37% and 24%.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in July 2024 rose by 11.4% compared to June, moving from 5.0 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend contrasts with the area's overall position below the UK average but highlights short-term fluctuations. On a daily basis, the district recorded approximately 29 crimes per day, a figure that reflects both local patterns and broader seasonal influences. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 180 residents, a metric that contextualises the monthly exposure to crime in a way that avoids overstatement. This rate is lower than the UK average but underscores the importance of monitoring local shifts. The population context—161,755 residents—means that while individual risk remains low, community-wide awareness of rising categories like 'Other crime' is essential. The increase in this category, though not yet at a level of concern, suggests the need for targeted local analysis.