Rural Mid Sussex Crime Rate

Rural Mid Sussex maintains an impressive safety profile, with a current safety score of 87/100, placing it well above the UK average of 79/100. The overall crime rate stands at 60.9 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.7. Recent data indicates a stable trend, with a minor year-over-year change of 1.9%. This suggests that while criminal activity exists, it remains at a manageable and relatively low level compared to more urbanised areas. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, monthly trends, and specific time-based patterns to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape in this part of Mid Sussex.

In Rural Mid Sussex, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 27.6% of all recorded incidents (16.8 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.9% and criminal damage and arson at 9.8%. While these figures provide a snapshot of social order, property crime remains a significant concern for the community.

The combined property crime rate—which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—stands at 24.8 per 1,000 people. Within this category, 'other theft' and burglary are the most prevalent, representing 8.9% and 8.0% of total crime respectively. For residents and homeowners, this means that while the overall safety score is high, there is a persistent risk of opportunistic theft and residential intrusion. Protecting outbuildings and ensuring vehicle security are particularly relevant in this rural context, where isolation can sometimes be exploited by offenders. The data suggests that approximately one in four crimes in the area involves a direct threat to personal or commercial property.

The crime trend in Rural Mid Sussex is currently classified as stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 1.9%. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a relatively consistent crime rate for much of the year, typically fluctuating between 3.6 and 5.8 crimes per 1,000 people. However, there was a notable spike in November 2025, where the rate jumped to 7.1 per 1,000. Prior to this, the summer months of June and July saw sustained levels of 5.8, which then dipped significantly in September to 3.6. These fluctuations are common in rural areas where a small number of incidents can impact the percentage significantly. For residents, this stable trend suggests that the overall safety of the area is not deteriorating, though the year-end spike in November warrants continued awareness and vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Mid Sussex

The most prevalent crime type in Rural Mid Sussex is violence and sexual offences. While many of these incidents may occur in private settings, maintaining personal awareness in public spaces remains important.

1. When walking alone, especially after dark, stick to well-lit routes and avoid isolated shortcuts through wooded areas or unlit footpaths.
2. Use personal safety apps that allow you to share your live location with trusted friends or family members when travelling across the area.
3. Be aware of your surroundings in rural transport hubs or car parks, keeping valuables out of sight and staying alert to those around you.
4. If you frequent local licensed premises, always stay with your group and never leave your drinks unattended.
5. Report any suspicious behaviour or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local police early, as this can help prevent more serious incidents from developing.

Crime in Rural Mid Sussex follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are at their peak, accounting for 43% and 44% of crimes in those periods respectively. This likely coincides with periods when residents are away from their homes for work or school. As the day progresses into the evening (6pm - 12am), there is a shift, with 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, becoming more prominent at 43%. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a significant spike in property-focused crime, with vehicle crime (32%) and burglary (30%) reaching their highest relative proportions. This suggests that while daytime crime is often opportunistic theft, night-time activity is more focused on stealthy intrusions and vehicle interference when properties are quiet.

Rural Mid Sussex sits within a region characterised by varying crime profiles. Compared to its more urbanised neighbours, it offers a distinctly safer environment. While specific nearby settlements like Hassocks or Cuckfield maintain their own local statistics, the Rural Mid Sussex area generally aligns with the lower-crime characteristics of the broader Mid Sussex local authority. For those looking for a residential area in the region, Rural Mid Sussex provides one of the strongest safety scores available, contrasting with the higher crime rates often found in larger West Sussex towns. This regional context reinforces the area's reputation as a secure and peaceful place to reside.

With a property crime rate of 24.8 per 1,000 people, Rural Mid Sussex residents face a tangible risk from burglary and theft. Traditional security measures often fall short because they are reactive; a standard CCTV camera or doorbell pod might record a burglary, but it rarely prevents one. In a rural setting, where police response times may be longer due to geography, proactive protection is essential.

The scOS artificial intelligence system changes the dynamic of home security by focusing on prevention. Instead of notifying you after a window has been smashed, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, ignoring routine activity while identifying genuine threats. By activating autonomous responses—such as engaging lights or speakers the moment a boundary is breached—scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Rural Mid Sussex homeowners, this proactive approach provides a robust defence that turns a property into a hard target, encouraging opportunists to move on.