Mid Sussex Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Mid Sussex recorded a crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, placing it 34.4% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast to the national figure reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal patterns. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.8% of all reported crimes (215 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.9%) and public order offences (8.4%). These figures align with the area's character as a largely rural district with a mix of small towns and open countryside, where community policing and low population density may contribute to lower overall crime rates. The winter month of February typically sees reduced outdoor activity, which may partly explain the lower levels of vehicle crime and burglary compared to warmer months. However, the 'Other crime' category stood out as an anomaly, with a rate of 0.2 per 1,000 residents—33% above the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. This suggests a need for further analysis of what specific activities or incidents fall under this broad category in Mid Sussex. The seasonal context of February, with its pre-spring lull in tourism and reduced retail activity, may also influence crime patterns, particularly in areas reliant on seasonal industries or visitor spending.

February 2026 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Theft from the person increased by 100% (from 1 to 2 incidents), a sharp rise that may reflect heightened awareness or reporting during the month. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 60% (from 10 to 4), a significant drop that could indicate effective policing in this area or a temporary reduction in related activities. The 'Other crime' category, while small in absolute terms, was 33% above the UK average, raising questions about its composition in Mid Sussex. This category likely includes incidents that are less common nationally but may occur more frequently locally due to specific circumstances. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted slightly, with violent crimes making up 31.8% of total incidents (215 cases) and property crimes accounting for 30.8% (208 cases). This near parity suggests a combination of personal safety concerns and property-related risks in the area. For residents, the 100% increase in theft from the person serves as a concrete reminder to remain vigilant in public spaces, particularly during periods of low visibility or high foot traffic.

Mid Sussex's crime rate in February 2026 (4.2 per 1,000) was 5.2% lower than the previous month's rate of 4.4 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 24 crimes per day, a figure that provides context for local residents assessing risk levels. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 239 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many urban areas but comparable to other rural districts. With a population of 161,755, the crime rate translates to a relatively low frequency of incidents per capita, reinforcing Mid Sussex's status as a safer area compared to the UK average. This population-scaled perspective highlights the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies, particularly in reducing violent and property crimes. However, the 33% above-average rate for 'Other crime' underscores the need for targeted interventions to address this specific category. The comparison also reveals that while violent crime rates in Mid Sussex are 44% below the UK average, the area's unique challenges—such as the anomaly in 'Other crime'—require tailored approaches to ensure sustained improvements in public safety.