Brighton and Hove Crime Rate

Brighton and Hove presents a unique challenge regarding crime rates. With a recorded rate of 116.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, it sits significantly above the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. While there has been a decrease of -7.4% in crime year-on-year, specific categories, like violence and sexual offences, remain a concern. The data, spanning from February 2025 to January 2026, paints a picture of an area where proactive safety measures and awareness are crucial for residents and visitors alike. Understanding these trends is key to navigating the city safely.

Brighton and Hove presents a complex crime landscape. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 35.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is 9% above the UK average. Shoplifting also registers significantly higher than the national average, with 16.0 incidents per 1,000, representing a 111% increase compared to the UK. Anti-social behaviour is another prominent concern, at 20.3 incidents per 1,000, exceeding the UK average by 37%. Overall, property crime stands at 41.9 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a range of issues affecting the area. The high prevalence of shoplifting and violence suggests a need for targeted interventions and community engagement to address these specific crime types.

Crime in Brighton and Hove has been decreasing overall, with a -7.4% reduction year-on-year from February 2025 to January 2026. While this represents a positive trend, monthly crime rates fluctuated throughout the period, peaking at 12.2 per 1,000 in July 2025 and reaching a low of 8.7 per 1,000 in December 2025. Specific crime types like vehicle crime and burglary have seen substantial decreases, while anti-social behaviour has experienced a slight increase, indicating the need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions.

How To Keep Safe in Brighton and Hove

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Consider walking with a friend or using well-lit routes. Always secure your property, including doors and windows, and consider installing a home security system. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Be mindful of your belongings in public places to avoid becoming a target for theft. Finally, stay informed about local crime trends by checking police updates and community forums.

Crime in Brighton and Hove exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. While the highest crime rates are observed during the July peak, overall, burglaries are more common in the evening and night hours, while theft and vehicle crime are more prevalent during commercial hours. Violence tends to spike during the evening and night, particularly on weekends. Understanding these patterns can help you adjust your behaviour and take precautions accordingly.

When considering safety, it's useful to compare Brighton and Hove with neighbouring local authorities. East Saltdean has a significantly lower crime rate of 22.8 per 1,000 residents, making it the safest neighbour. However, Telscombe Cliffs has a higher rate of 49.3 per 1,000, highlighting the varying levels of safety across the region.

Traditional CCTV systems often record events after they've occurred, providing evidence for investigations but failing to prevent the crime itself. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a proactive approach. It uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundary, identifying potential threats before they escalate. With DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning, scOS distinguishes between familiar visitors and genuine risks, ensuring that you're only alerted to real dangers. The visible presence of scOS serves as a significant deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions – that crucial 60-second decision point where they decide whether to proceed.