Brighton and Hove Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove recorded an overall crime rate of 124.7 per 1,000 residents over the last year, positioning it above the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score is 73 out of 100, which is slightly below the national average of 78, indicating a moderate level of safety. Crime trends in Brighton and Hove have remained stable year-over-year, showing a modest increase of 3.1%. This data provides a comprehensive overview of the local crime landscape, offering residents and prospective movers valuable insights into safety and security within the area.

About Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove is a vibrant, densely populated urban area on the south coast, renowned for its diverse culture, extensive nightlife, and significant tourism industry. As a major transport hub with a large transient population, including students from its universities and numerous visitors, these characteristics inevitably influence its crime statistics. The city's bustling commercial centres, extensive retail options, and popular entertainment venues contribute to a dynamic environment where certain types of crime, such as theft and public order offences, may be more prevalent than in more residential or rural settings. Understanding these underlying factors provides context for the crime rates and safety score observed in the area.

Crime Type Analysis in Brighton and Hove

An analysis of crime types in Brighton and Hove reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 29.8% of all reported crimes with a rate of 37.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent, making up 16.6% of crimes at 20.7 per 1,000. Shoplifting is the third most common offence, representing 14.3% of the total with a rate of 17.8 per 1,000.

Property-related crimes collectively represent a substantial concern for residents and homeowners, with a combined rate of 46.5 per 1,000 people. This category includes burglary (3.5 per 1,000), theft from the person (1.7 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (7.8 per 1,000), bicycle theft (1.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.6 per 1,000), other theft (9.0 per 1,000), and robbery (1.4 per 1,000). The elevated presence of property crimes underscores the importance of robust security measures to protect homes and possessions in Brighton and Hove.

Crime Trends in Brighton and Hove

Over the past year, Brighton and Hove has experienced a stable crime trend, with a modest year-over-year increase of 3.1% in total recorded crimes. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period. Crime rates per 1,000 residents showed lower figures in late 2024 and early 2025, with December 2024 (9.3) and February 2025 (9.1) marking some of the lowest points. Conversely, the summer months saw a rise in reported incidents, peaking in July 2025 at 11.9 per 1,000. This pattern often reflects seasonal variations, with increased activity during warmer months and holiday periods. For residents, understanding these trends can help inform personal safety awareness, particularly during periods when crime rates tend to be higher.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Brighton and Hove's crime rate of 124.7 per 1,000 can be compared with its neighbouring areas. While specific figures for each are not provided here, generally, areas like Lewes, Adur, and Worthing, which often feature more suburban or semi-rural characteristics, might present different crime profiles. Larger or more densely populated areas such as Horsham or Mid Sussex could share some similarities in urban challenges, while rural Wealden would likely exhibit lower overall crime rates. Understanding these comparisons helps residents gauge the relative safety of Brighton and Hove within the broader regional landscape, highlighting its unique position as a significant urban centre.

Protecting Your Property in Brighton and Hove

Given Brighton and Hove's property crime rate of 46.5 per 1,000 residents, proactive home security is a significant consideration for local homeowners. While traditional CCTV systems offer footage after an incident, true peace of mind comes from preventing crime before it occurs. Many conventional security measures are reactive, only alerting you once a break-in is underway or has already happened.

For those seeking to genuinely deter criminals, consider systems that offer proactive protection. AI-powered home security operating systems, like scOS, detect threats at your property boundary, not after an intrusion. Such advanced systems utilise multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously, learning your routines to distinguish between genuine threats and everyday occurrences. This level of professional-grade equipment sends a clear message to potential intruders, often making them decide within 60 seconds that your property is too much of a risk, and they move on. Investing in such preventative technology moves beyond merely recording crime to actively stopping it, offering a robust defence against property-related offences in Brighton and Hove.