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 the area 36.4% below the UK average of 7.7. This performance highlights a consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends, a pattern seen across multiple categories. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 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 conflicts and property-related incidents, which may partly explain the seasonal context of September—a month marked by the return to school and university freshers' week. While the area's lower crime rate could reflect its character as a largely rural and suburban district with limited urban density, the prominence of violence and sexual offences indicates specific challenges in community safety. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, remains a notable concern, linked to the transient population influx associated with academic institutions. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (33% below UK average) and shoplifting (41% below) may also reflect the area's less congested roads and lower retail footfall compared to major cities. However, the seasonal transition into cooler weather and shorter evenings could influence patterns, as outdoor activity declines and indoor spaces become more crowded, exacerbating certain types of incidents.

September 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with robbery increasing by 300% (from 2 to 8 incidents) and possession of weapons surging by 280% (from 5 to 19). These sharp rises contrast with a 61.5% decline in bicycle theft, which fell from 13 to 5 incidents—a shift that may reflect seasonal changes in cycling activity as days shorten. The crime mix also reveals notable divergences from the UK average: violence and sexual offences were 43% below the national rate, while possession of weapons was 43% above. This anomaly underscores the combination of local factors, such as the presence of educational institutions, which might contribute to both lower rates of violent crime and higher rates of weapon-related incidents. The increase in vehicle crime (+87%) suggests potential vulnerabilities in parking areas or transport hubs, though further analysis would be needed to confirm direct links. For residents, the 300% rise in robbery is a critical data point, highlighting the need for heightened awareness during late-night hours or in areas with transient populations. These findings, while not indicative of overall trends, illustrate the dynamic nature of crime patterns and the importance of contextual analysis in understanding local variations.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in September 2024 rose by 5.2% compared to the previous month's 4.6 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend despite remaining well below the UK average. This increase translates to approximately 26 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, illustrates the ongoing presence of criminal activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 206 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. When contextualised against the local population of 161,755, this rate suggests that the majority of residents experience relatively low personal risk, a factor that may be attributed to Mid Sussex's suburban and rural character. However, the 5.2% increase from August to September raises questions about whether this reflects temporary factors such as the start of the academic year or broader shifts in criminal behaviour. The daily crime count of 26 provides a tangible measure for residents, helping to frame the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives. While these figures remain in line with the area's historically lower crime profile, the slight upward movement underscores the need for continued monitoring and community engagement to address emerging issues without overreacting to short-term fluctuations.