Mid Sussex Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

July 2025 marked a surprising shift in Mid Sussex's crime profile, with drug-related offences rising sharply by 53.8% compared to June. This unexpected increase contrasts with the area's overall crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents, which remains 31.4% below the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000. The data reveals a persistent pattern of underperformance in several categories, with shoplifting (54% below UK average) and burglary (63% below) continuing to lag significantly. Violence and sexual offences, however, dominate the crime mix, accounting for 34.3% of all reported incidents, despite being 34% below the UK average. This suggests that while Mid Sussex benefits from lower rates in property-related crimes, its violent crime profile remains proportionally similar to the national average. Seasonal factors likely contribute to these patterns, as the peak summer months bring increased tourism, outdoor events, and school holidays. The combination of high foot traffic in retail areas and the absence of students during the summer break may explain the relatively low rates of bicycle theft and shoplifting. However, the rise in drug-related crimes remains unexplained by the data, highlighting the need for further analysis of local enforcement efforts or community dynamics. The area's lower crime rates overall, particularly in property crimes, align with its likely character as a suburban or rural district, where open spaces and lower population density may reduce opportunities for certain types of criminal activity. This contrast with the UK average underscores the importance of regional differences in crime patterns, even within a single local authority.

The most striking movement in July 2025 was the 53.8% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 13 to 20 reports. This surge contrasts sharply with the 54% below UK average for this category, indicating a complex local dynamic. Anti-social behaviour also saw a significant 34.8% increase, climbing from 184 to 248 incidents, despite remaining 3% below the UK average. Conversely, theft from the person plummeted by 80%, dropping from 5 to 1 report, a decline that may reflect heightened awareness during the summer months. The data also reveals a shift in crime mix, with violent crimes (324) accounting for 34.3% of total reports, slightly edging out anti-social behaviour (26.2%). This balance suggests that while property crimes remain a concern, violent incidents are the primary driver of the overall rate. Residents may find the 100% reduction in bicycle theft from 8 to 5 incidents particularly reassuring, though the underlying reasons for this drop remain unclear.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in July 2025 rose to 5.9 per 1,000 residents, marking an 11.0% increase from June's 5.3 per 1,000. This places the area still firmly below the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000. On a daily basis, 31 crimes were reported in July, equivalent to roughly one crime for every 171 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure underscores that while the rate has increased, the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low compared to larger urban areas. The population context further highlights that the 946 total crimes reported represent a manageable proportion of the 161,755 residents, with no single category dominating the statistics to an alarming extent. The increase in overall crime, though modest, contrasts with the continued underperformance of several categories relative to the UK average, suggesting localized factors may be at play.