Mid Sussex Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In Mid Sussex, the per-capita risk of encountering crime in May 2024 translates to one reported incident for every 187 residents over the course of the month. This figure, derived from a total of 864 crimes, places the area's crime rate at 5.3 per 1,000 residents—36.9% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The data reveals a distinct crime profile shaped by local demographics and geography. Violence and sexual offences dominate the landscape, accounting for 31.4% of all recorded crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.2%) and public order offences (10.1%). These patterns are consistent with the area's character as a mix of suburban and rural communities, where public spaces and informal social interactions may contribute to higher reports of anti-social behaviour and public order issues. The seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings and increased outdoor activity—likely amplifies these trends, as evidenced by the sharp rise in public order offences. However, the overall crime rate remains lower than the UK average, with violent crimes in Mid Sussex at 1.7 per 1,000 compared to the UK's 2.8 per 1,000. This discrepancy may be attributed to the area's lower population density and stronger community policing efforts. The crime mix also shows significant gaps compared to national averages: shoplifting, for instance, is 38% below the UK rate, reflecting lower retail footfall or effective preventative measures in local businesses. These figures illustrate a region where crime is neither absent nor excessive, but rather shaped by the interplay of local conditions and broader national trends.

May 2024 saw a 70.6% increase in public order offences, rising from 51 to 87 incidents. This surge aligns with the seasonal context of longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, which may contribute to higher reports of disturbances in public spaces. Conversely, burglary rates dropped by 50%, from 60 to 30 incidents—a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, with Mid Sussex at 0.2 per 1,000. This decline could reflect improved home security measures or targeted policing in high-risk areas. Other notable shifts include a 71.4% rise in 'other crime' incidents, which may encompass unclassified or emerging offences, and a 38.5% decrease in bicycle theft, linked to seasonal changes in cycling activity. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 31.4% of all crimes, though this rate is 40% below the UK average. These variations illustrate how local dynamics—such as community initiatives, weather patterns, and seasonal activities—can shape crime trends in distinct ways.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in May 2024 remained stable at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no significant shift in overall risk for residents. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 28 crimes per day—a figure that, while low, reflects the local context of a largely suburban and rural district with limited urban density. When scaled to population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 187 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life. This figure is lower than the UK average when considering the per-capita perspective, though the comparison section does not include UK-specific daily or monthly benchmarks. The stability in the crime rate contrasts with seasonal fluctuations observed in other months, where factors like university term patterns or tourist seasons might influence reporting trends. The absence of a month-on-month change in the overall rate highlights the area's consistent policing and community engagement efforts, which may contribute to sustained low crime levels.