Rural Mid Sussex Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Rural Mid Sussex indicate a rate of 61.8 incidents per 1,000 residents over the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment. However, it's important to examine the types of crimes occurring and any discernible trends. While the overall rate is favourable, understanding the specific issues within the area allows for targeted preventative measures and informs residents about potential risks. The safety score for Rural Mid Sussex is 87/100, which is also above the national average of 79/100, demonstrating a good level of safety relative to the rest of the United Kingdom.

The crime landscape in Rural Mid Sussex is shaped by its rural setting and relatively small population. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 27.4% of reported crimes (249 incidents). These are followed by anti-social behaviour (16.9%, 154 crimes) and criminal damage and arson (9.3%, 85 crimes). Shoplifting (9.1%), other theft (8.7%), and burglary (7.9%) also contribute to the overall crime statistics. The prevalence of these offences can be influenced by factors such as the isolated nature of some properties, occasional seasonal influxes of visitors, and the presence of small village centres where anti-social behaviour may be more visible. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for targeted crime prevention strategies.

Crime rates in Rural Mid Sussex have remained stable year-on-year, showing a slight increase of 3.3%. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations, with notable peaks in February (5.2 per 1,000/month), June (5.8 per 1,000/month), and November (7.1 per 1,000/month). Conversely, April (3.8 per 1,000/month) and September (3.6 per 1,000/month) saw lower monthly crime rates. These variations may be linked to seasonal factors, local events, or changes in police resource allocation. While the overall trend is stable, continued monitoring of these monthly fluctuations is essential for proactive crime prevention.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Mid Sussex

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Due to the higher risk of vehicle crime, always park in well-lit areas and ensure your vehicle is locked. Criminal damage and arson are also concerns, so consider security measures for your property, such as installing motion-activated lighting. Finally, be mindful of anti-social behaviour and participate in local community watch schemes to foster a sense of collective responsibility and vigilance.

Crime patterns in Rural Mid Sussex show a variation across different times of the day. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), while vehicle crime is more prevalent overnight (12am-6am). Theft tends to occur during commercial hours, reflecting opportunities arising from activity during the day. Violence and sexual offences are more commonly reported during the evening hours (6pm-12am), especially on weekends, likely linked to social activities and gatherings. Understanding these temporal trends is vital for targeted policing and community safety initiatives.

Comparing Rural Mid Sussex with similar areas within Mid Sussex reveals varying crime rates. Some neighbouring villages demonstrate slightly lower rates of violence and sexual offences, while others experience higher levels of anti-social behaviour. These variations often reflect differences in population density, economic factors, and local community initiatives. Understanding these comparative trends helps to provide a broader perspective on safety within the region.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a burglary has occurred. For proactive protection in Rural Mid Sussex, consider a system like scOS. scOS uses AI to detect threats at your property boundary, watching all cameras simultaneously and instantly verifying vehicles using DVLA data. Recognising your family and routines, it only alerts you to genuine risks, preventing incidents before they happen. The visible deterrence of professional-grade equipment, coupled with scOS's autonomous response – lights activating and speakers engaging – creates an element of surprise that often convinces potential intruders to move on, particularly crucial given the 60-second decision window most burglars operate within. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats is another.