Brighton and Hove Crime Rate

Brighton and Hove is a major coastal city with a complex safety profile, recording an overall crime rate of 122.8 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to a safety score of 74/100. The city's role as a primary tourist destination and its vibrant nightlife significantly influence these figures. Despite the higher-than-average crime rate, the recent trend is stable, with only a 1.4% change year-over-year. Property crime also exceeds the national average, standing at 44.7 per 1,000 residents compared to the UK's 32.2. This data suggests that while Brighton and Hove is a dynamic place to live and work, residents and business owners should be proactive regarding their security. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and regional comparisons.

Brighton and Hove is a vibrant, high-density coastal city characterised by its unique mix of tourism, academic institutions, and a thriving nightlife economy. As a major regional transport hub and a destination for millions of visitors annually, the area experiences a transient population that significantly influences its crime statistics. The city's extensive commercial centres, particularly around the North Laine and Churchill Square, contribute to higher rates of shoplifting and opportunistic theft. Furthermore, the concentrated nightlife in the city centre and along the seafront is a primary factor in reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Economically, Brighton and Hove is a diverse area with significant wealth alongside pockets of deprivation, a disparity that often correlates with property crime rates. The presence of two major universities also brings a large student population, which can be vulnerable to specific crime types like bicycle theft. These urban characteristics combined with its status as a seaside resort create a dynamic environment where crime rates are naturally higher than in more suburban or rural Sussex counterparts.

Crime in Brighton and Hove is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 30.2% of all reports (10,541 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.2% (6,013 crimes) and shoplifting at 14.0% (4,876 crimes). These figures reflect the city's active social scene and busy retail districts. For residents and property owners, property crime is a significant consideration, with an overall rate of 44.7 per 1,000 people. This includes 907 burglaries (2.6% of total crime), 882 vehicle crimes (2.5%), and 2,495 incidents of 'other theft' (7.2%). While the burglary rate is relatively low as a percentage of total crime, the high overall volume of property-related offences—including bicycle theft and theft from the person—means that homeowners and commuters must remain vigilant. The high shoplifting rate also indicates a significant impact on the local business community. Understanding this breakdown is crucial for residents to implement effective security measures, focusing on both personal safety in crowded areas and robust protection for homes and vehicles.

The crime trend in Brighton and Hove is currently stable, with a minor 1.4% increase over the previous 12-month period. This suggests that the city's safety profile is consistent and predictable. Monthly data for 2025 shows a clear seasonal pattern typical of a major seaside resort. The year began with crime rates of 9.6 in January and 9.1 in February. As the weather improved and visitor numbers increased, the rate climbed steadily, reaching a peak of 11.9 per 1,000 in July. The rates remained high through August (11.0) before beginning a gradual decline in the autumn, ending the year at 8.5 in December. This summer peak is a common characteristic of tourist hubs and suggests that residents should be particularly vigilant during the busy holiday season. The overall stability of the trend is a positive indicator that despite the high volume of incidents, the situation is not rapidly deteriorating, allowing residents to plan their security needs based on well-established local patterns.

In the context of the wider East and West Sussex region, Brighton and Hove (122.8) stands out as the most active area for crime. It has a significantly higher rate than neighbouring Lewes, Adur, Worthing, Horsham, Mid Sussex, and Wealden, all of which record much lower crime rates (0.0 in the provided comparison data). This stark contrast highlights the urban-rural divide in the region. While the surrounding districts offer a very quiet and traditional safety profile, Brighton and Hove’s statistics are driven by its urban density, large student population, and status as a major regional hub for entertainment and commerce. For those moving to the area, this comparison underscores the importance of choosing the right neighbourhood and implementing appropriate security measures.

In an urban environment like Brighton and Hove, where the property crime rate is 44.7 per 1,000—well above the UK average—relying on traditional security can be a mistake. Standard CCTV cameras and smart doorbells are reactive; they provide you with footage of a crime after it has already happened. For residents in a high-density city, proactive protection is far more effective. Systems like scOS use advanced AI to monitor your property's perimeter, detecting potential threats before they reach your home. By identifying unauthorised individuals or vehicles (including those with cloned plates) at the boundary, scOS can initiate an autonomous response—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible warnings. This destroys the element of surprise and forces opportunistic criminals to move on. In a city where most burglars decide within 60 seconds whether a property is a viable target, the visible deterrence and real-time intervention of a proactive system like scOS offer a level of security that traditional recording devices simply cannot match. Protecting your home means stopping the intruder before they enter, not just filming them as they do.

How To Keep Safe in Brighton and Hove

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Brighton and Hove, representing 30.2% of all recorded incidents. Given the city's active nightlife and high visitor numbers, personal safety is paramount. When enjoying the city's entertainment districts or seafront, stay with friends and use well-lit, busy routes. Many local venues participate in safety schemes, so do not hesitate to ask staff for assistance if you feel uncomfortable.

Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor (17.2%). Residents are encouraged to report persistent issues to the local council or police, as this data helps target patrols and community interventions.

With property crime at 44.7 per 1,000, home and vehicle security should be a high priority. For those who cycle, use high-quality D-locks and register your bike on national databases, as bicycle theft is a known issue in the city. For homeowners, the stable but high crime rate suggests that visible security measures are a strong deterrent. Ensure all windows and doors are secure, and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight through ground-floor windows. Vehicle owners should always double-check that their cars are locked and avoid leaving any items, even clothing or bags, on seats, which can attract opportunistic 'smash and grab' thefts.