Mid Sussex Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Sussex's crime rate for February 2025 stood at 4.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 34.3% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels in the area, consistent with its character as a largely rural district interspersed with small towns and commuter villages. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type, occurred at 1.4 per 1,000 — 40% below the UK average for this category. This stark contrast to national trends may be attributed to Mid Sussex's lower population density and the presence of fewer large urban centres, which typically correlate with higher rates of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour followed at 0.6 per 1,000, 38% below the UK average, suggesting effective community engagement or policing strategies in quieter areas. The seasonal context of February — a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull — likely contributes to the subdued crime environment, as fewer people gather in public spaces and economic activity remains subdued. However, the data also shows that criminal damage and arson, at 0.5 per 1,000, slightly exceeded the UK average by 4%, indicating a niche challenge in managing property-related offences. This pattern underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where vandalism is concentrated, while the overall lower crime rate demonstrates the effectiveness of existing measures in maintaining public safety.

February 2025 saw notable shifts in specific crime categories, with robbery increasing by 300% (from 2 to 8 incidents) and theft from the person rising by 166.7% (from 3 to 8). These jumps, while still small in absolute terms, may signal emerging patterns in targeted offences, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or during times of increased personal vulnerability. Conversely, bicycle theft plummeted by 80% (from 5 to 1), potentially reflecting the impact of seasonal factors — fewer cyclists in colder weather — or enhanced security measures such as improved lighting or bike storage. The category of criminal damage and arson also rose sharply by 46.9% (from 49 to 72), a figure that, while still below the UK average, warrants attention. This increase could be linked to the post-Christmas period, where property owners might be less vigilant about securing homes or businesses during the winter months. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell by 55.6% (from 9 to 4), a decline that aligns with the broader trend of reduced violent crime and may indicate the success of community-based initiatives aimed at reducing gun and knife crime. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the 300% surge in robbery, which highlights the need for heightened awareness in public spaces, particularly during times when visibility is low or crowds are sparse.

The crime rate in February 2025 (4.4 per 1,000) marked a 3.7% decline from the previous month's rate of 4.6 per 1,000, continuing a downward trajectory that has defined Mid Sussex's crime profile in recent months. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 25 crimes per day — a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within the local population of 161,755 residents. Over the course of the month, this translated to one reported crime for roughly every 228 residents, a ratio that is lower than the UK average when scaled to similar population sizes. This monthly exposure statistic suggests that residents of Mid Sussex face a relatively low risk of being directly affected by crime compared to the national average, though the sharp increase in robbery and theft from the person in February underscores the importance of vigilance in specific contexts. The area's population density — lower than many urban centres — may further explain the reduced likelihood of encountering crime, as crime rates in densely populated areas often rise due to increased opportunities for opportunistic offences. These comparisons highlight the effectiveness of local policing and community initiatives in maintaining safety, even as specific categories of crime experience temporary fluctuations.