Mid Sussex Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Sussex's crime rate in November 2024 stood at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, 43.4% below the UK average of 7.6. This continued the area's pattern of significantly lower crime rates compared to the national figure, though local variations in crime types suggest complex dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.2% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.9%) and shoplifting (12.6%). The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended darkness—likely influenced these patterns. For instance, shoplifting's rise may correlate with increased retail activity, while the relative safety in violent crime could reflect the district's rural character and lower population density. Anti-social behaviour, though below the UK average, may be linked to the social dynamics of smaller communities where such incidents are more visible. The data also highlights anomalies: possession of weapons in Mid Sussex is 67% above the UK average, a figure that may warrant closer examination given the area's generally low crime profile. These statistics illustrate how local factors, from seasonal events to demographic composition, shape the crime picture in a way that diverges from broader national trends.

November saw a 500% increase in robbery cases, rising from 1 to 6 incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, represents the most dramatic month-on-month swing in the dataset. Shoplifting also surged by 63%, with 88 incidents reported, likely linked to Black Friday shopping activity. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 58.3%, from 12 to 5, possibly due to seasonal changes in cycling patterns. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark contrast to the UK average: violence and sexual offences in Mid Sussex are 42% below the national rate, while possession of weapons is 67% above. This anomaly may reflect local policing priorities or demographic factors. For residents, the 500% rise in robbery is a clear warning to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic during holiday periods.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in November 2024 fell to 4.3 per 1,000 residents, a 15.3% decrease from October's 5.1. This continues a downward trend observed over the past year, though seasonal factors may influence the trajectory. On a daily basis, 23 crimes were recorded across the district, reflecting a manageable frequency for a largely rural area. Over the course of November, one crime was reported for every 231 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity relative to the population. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which is not directly comparable due to differences in regional demographics and policing strategies. The drop in crime may partly reflect reduced opportunities for certain offences during darker evenings, though the sharp rise in robbery complicates this narrative. The population context highlights that crime remains a rare occurrence for most residents, with the majority of incidents concentrated in specific pockets of the district.