Smallfield Crime Rate

Crime in Smallfield

Smallfield is a residential urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 87.5 per 1,000 people. This figure is slightly lower than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 80/100. Over the past year, Smallfield has experienced an increasing trend in criminal activity, with a 22.4% rise year-over-year. As a well-connected community near Gatwick Airport and the M23, the area faces specific challenges related to transient activity and property-related offences. While it remains safer than the national average, the recent upward trend in crime suggests a need for increased local awareness and proactive security measures. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of the local crime data.

Crime Breakdown in Smallfield

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Smallfield, accounting for 143 incidents or 37.4% of all recorded crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 13.6%, followed by public order offences at 10.5%. When looking at property crime collectively—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—the rate is 28.9 per 1,000 residents. This is closer to the UK average of 32.9 than many other parts of the district. For homeowners, shoplifting (9.4%) and vehicle crime (6.3%) are notable factors, while burglary accounts for 2.9% of total incidents. This indicates that property-related crime is a consistent presence in the local area.

Crime Trends in Smallfield

The crime rate in Smallfield has seen a notable increase of 22.4% over the past 12 months. Monthly data reveals a fluctuating pattern throughout 2025. The year began with relatively low rates, dipping to 5.0 per 1,000 in February. However, there were significant spikes in March (9.6) and a substantial peak in October 2025, where the rate reached 12.4. This upward trend suggests that while Smallfield remains statistically safer than the UK average, it is currently experiencing a period of elevated criminal activity compared to the previous year.

How To Keep Safe in Smallfield

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Smallfield, often occurring in residential areas or near local amenities. To stay safe in the community, consider the following advice:

• Improve Home Security: Shoplifting and theft are significant factors in the local area. Ensure your home is well-lit and that all doors and windows are secured with high-quality locks.
• Secure Your Vehicle: With vehicle crime peaking at night (49% of incidents), always ensure your car is locked and avoid leaving any valuables on display, especially if parking on the street.
• Daytime Awareness: Since theft and burglary peak in the afternoon, be extra vigilant about locking up when you leave the house during the day.
• Stay Informed: Join local social media groups or neighbourhood watch schemes to stay up to date on any suspicious activity or recent spikes in local crime.
• Boundary Protection: Consider a proactive security system that can identify potential threats at your property line, providing an early warning that traditional reactive alarms miss.

Time Patterns of Crime in Smallfield

Crime in Smallfield exhibits distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the primary concern, accounting for 44% and 51% of incidents respectively. As the day transitions into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts toward vehicle-related offences and anti-social behaviour. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime becomes the most prominent threat, representing 49% of all recorded incidents. This suggests that property is most vulnerable during the night-time hours when properties are less supervised.

Nearby Area Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Smallfield has a relatively high crime rate. It reports more activity than Horley (61.7) and is significantly more active than the surrounding rural hamlets of Burstow, Outwood, and Shipley Bridge, which all report 0.0 crimes. This contrast highlights Smallfield's role as a more densely populated hub where crime is naturally more concentrated. For those looking for the safest local options, the rural fringes offer the lowest rates, while Smallfield provides a more urban environment with a corresponding level of criminal activity that is still better than the UK average.

Proactive Security in Smallfield

Smallfield's property crime rate of 28.9 per 1,000 residents is approaching the national average, and the recent 22.4% increase in overall crime highlights the importance of robust home security. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY alarms, are reactive—they only notify you after an incident has occurred or provide footage of a crime that has already taken place. This approach often fails to prevent the loss of property or the damage caused during a break-in.

The scOS security platform offers a proactive alternative designed to stop crime before it begins. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying suspicious behaviour before an intruder reaches your door. Whether it's someone scouting your vehicle at night or approaching your home during the day, scOS can autonomously respond with deterrents like lights and audio alerts. For Smallfield residents, this proactive approach is the most effective way to protect their property and maintain a high level of personal safety.