Monthly Crime Statistics

Brighton and Hove Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Brighton and Hove recorded a crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents, 25.3% above the UK average, with shoplifting rates 129% higher than the national average.

2,681
Total Crimes
9.4
Per 1,000 People
7.5
UK Average
+0.5%
vs Previous Month

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For every 1,000 residents in Brighton and Hove, 9.4 crimes were reported in April 2023, placing the area 25.3% above the UK average of 7.5. This elevated rate translates to a tangible risk for residents, with one crime occurring for every 106 people over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.7% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.6%) and shoplifting (11.3%). These figures are consistent with the area’s character as a coastal urban centre with a vibrant nightlife, tourist economy, and student population. The high proportion of violent crimes may reflect the density of social interactions in the city’s nightlife districts, while shoplifting rates—129% above the UK average—likely stem from the retail presence along the seafront and high streets. Seasonal factors, such as the Easter period and spring weather, may have contributed to increased outdoor activity and associated crime, though the overall rate remained stable compared to March. The mix of crime types illustrates a combination of local demographics, geography, and seasonal rhythms, with property crimes (including shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary) making up 44.7% of the total, compared to 31.7% for violent crimes. This balance suggests that while violent crime remains a significant concern, property-related offences are equally pressing, requiring targeted strategies to address both areas.

April 2023 saw a 23.5% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 51 to 63 incidents. This surge aligns with the city’s cycling infrastructure and seasonal activity, though it remains a relatively minor category compared to violent crimes. Meanwhile, shoplifting rose by 8.6%, reflecting patterns common in tourist-heavy areas during the Easter period. Other theft also increased by 14.3%, potentially linked to the same seasonal factors. Conversely, robbery decreased by 19.2%, possibly due to heightened policing during the Easter holidays or shifts in criminal activity. The data also reveals stark contrasts with UK averages: shoplifting and public order offences were 129% and 41% above the national rates, respectively, while burglary matched the UK average. These disparities highlight the unique challenges of managing crime in a coastal urban centre with a dynamic economy and transient population.

Brighton and Hove's crime rate in April 2023 remained stable at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no abrupt shifts in overall crime patterns. above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 89 reported crimes each day, reflecting the density of population and activity in a coastal urban centre. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 106 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a city with a vibrant nightlife and tourist presence. While the rate is unchanged from March, the distribution of crime types reveals persistent disparities, such as shoplifting rates 129% above the UK average, which may partly explain the area’s elevated overall rate. The population context—283,870 residents—further highlights the scale of challenges faced by local services in managing crime within a densely populated coastal district.

Crime Breakdown - April 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences849331.7%
Anti-social behaviour3391.212.6%
Shoplifting3041.111.3%
Public order2570.99.6%
Criminal damage and arson2300.88.6%
Other theft2080.77.8%
Vehicle crime1410.55.3%
Drugs900.33.4%
Burglary740.32.8%
Bicycle theft630.22.4%
Other crime480.21.8%
Possession of weapons290.11.1%
Theft from the person280.11%
Robbery210.10.8%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Brighton and Hove

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 5 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month