Mid Sussex Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Sussex's overall crime rate in September 2024 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 36.4% below the UK average of 7.7. This performance reflects a consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends, a pattern that has persisted across multiple reporting periods. The area's crime mix is dominated by violence and sexual offences (31.4% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.5%) and criminal damage and arson (11.1%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal and public order issues, which may align with the area's mix of rural and suburban communities where social interactions are more concentrated in local hubs. Seasonal context in September—marked by the start of the academic year and shorter evenings—likely influences patterns, with increased foot traffic in town centres and schools potentially contributing to higher reports of violence and anti-social behaviour. However, the absence of significant spikes in property crimes (which account for 37.7% of all crimes) contrasts with typical urban trends, indicating that Mid Sussex's lower population density and community policing efforts may act as mitigating factors. The UK comparison underscores the area's relative safety. gap remains notable, particularly when considering the national average's inclusion of more densely populated regions with higher crime concentrations.

September 2024 saw sharp month-on-month increases in specific crime categories, including a 300% rise in robbery (from 2 to 8 incidents) and a 280% surge in possession of weapons (from 5 to 19 cases). These jumps, while statistically significant, remain below the UK averages for their respective categories (robbery: 0.1 per 1,000; weapons possession: 0.1 per 1,000). Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 61.5% (from 13 to 5 incidents), possibly linked to seasonal factors such as the start of the academic year and increased vehicle usage for commuting. The crime mix also shifted slightly, with violent crimes (31.4% of total) maintaining their dominance over property crimes (37.7%), a balance that differs from UK-wide trends where property crimes typically outweigh violent ones. Anti-social behaviour (15.5% of total crimes) was 32% below the UK average of 1.2 per 1,000, suggesting effective community engagement or environmental design measures that reduce disruptive incidents. Residents may find the 41% reduction in shoplifting (from 0.7 to 0.4 per 1,000) particularly relevant, as it indicates a possible success in local retail security initiatives or reduced foot traffic during the transition from summer to autumn.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in September 2024 (4.9 per 1,000) marked a 5.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.6, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 26 crimes per day, a figure that, while lower than the UK average, highlights the need for continuous monitoring. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 206 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic provides a tangible perspective for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of experiencing a crime is comparatively low. The population context further underscores Mid Sussex's position as a safer area, with its 161,755 residents facing a crime rate that is 36.4% below the national average. While the 5.2% month-on-month increase may raise questions about emerging trends, the overall trajectory remains firmly below UK levels, suggesting that local initiatives—whether in policing, community engagement, or environmental design—continue to play a pivotal role in maintaining this gap. The interplay between population density and crime rates is evident here, as Mid Sussex's lower density likely contributes to the reduced likelihood of crimes per capita compared to more urbanised regions.