Brighton and Hove Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Brighton and Hove’s crime profile in November 2023, accounting for 30.7% of all reported crimes. This category, at 3.0 per 1,000 residents, was 16% above the UK average, underscoring the area’s elevated risk of violent incidents. The second most common crime was anti-social behaviour, which occurred at 1.3 per 1,000 residents—24% above the UK average—and was likely influenced by the area’s high population density and vibrant nightlife. Shoplifting followed closely, with 1.2 per 1,000 residents, a rate 118% above the national average. This spike may be linked to the proximity of major retail hubs and the timing of Black Friday shopping, which often sees increased foot traffic and opportunistic theft. Public order offences also contributed significantly, at 1.0 per 1,000 residents, 89% above the UK average, potentially reflecting the impact of Bonfire Night events and the challenges of managing large crowds in a coastal town. The overall crime rate of 9.8 per 1,000 residents placed Brighton and Hove 30.7% above the UK average, a figure that highlights the area’s unique combination of tourism, student populations, and urban dynamics. Seasonal factors in November—such as shorter days, colder weather, and the timing of festive events—may have influenced crime patterns. The high prevalence of property-related crimes, including shoplifting and other theft, suggests that retail and commercial areas remain focal points for criminal activity. This profile aligns with Brighton and Hove’s identity as a major tourist destination and a hub for higher education, where transient populations and high foot traffic create environments conducive to certain types of crime. The data also reveals a marked contrast in property crime rates compared to the UK average, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour far exceeding national benchmarks, while vehicle crime and burglary were below average. These discrepancies may reflect local policing strategies, infrastructure, or demographic characteristics that differ from other UK regions. As November’s crime data illustrates, Brighton and Hove’s profile is shaped by its coastal location, economic activity, and social diversity, factors that will likely continue to influence crime trends in the months ahead.

November 2023 saw a 44.3% increase in 'other crime,' with incidents rising from 61 to 88, though the category’s definition remains broad and unspecified. Conversely, burglary fell by 23.2%, dropping from 82 to 63, potentially linked to seasonal changes in property activity or improved security measures. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 18.0%, from 440 to 361, a shift that may align with reduced social gatherings during the darker evenings of late autumn. Shoplifting, however, remained sharply elevated, with rates 118% above the UK average, reflecting the area’s retail density and the impact of Black Friday promotions. Violent crimes, which constitute the largest share of reported incidents, were 16% above the UK average, consistent with Brighton and Hove’s history of higher-than-average violent crime rates. These figures illustrate the combination of local factors, including tourism, university presence, and seasonal retail dynamics, which may contribute to the area’s distinct crime profile.

Brighton and Hove’s crime rate in November 2023 fell by 6.3% compared to the previous month, dropping from 10.5 to 9.8 per 1,000 residents. This decline suggests a slight moderation in criminal activity, though the rate remains significantly above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 93 crimes per day, highlighting the persistent volume of incidents despite the monthly decrease. When considering the population, the monthly exposure figure shows that one reported crime occurred for roughly every 102 residents over the course of November. This ratio, while providing context for residents, underscores the need for continued attention to local safety measures. The drop in burglary and anti-social behaviour may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic during darker evenings or the winding down of Black Friday shopping activity. The population context also reveals that Brighton and Hove’s crime profile is shaped by its unique characteristics, including a large student population and a thriving nightlife, which may influence patterns of property and violent crime differently than in other UK areas.