Brighton and Hove Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Brighton and Hove's crime rate in October 2023 stood at 10.5 per 1,000, placing it 31.2% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area's status as a major urban centre with persistent challenges in managing crime, particularly in categories driven by its unique demographic and economic profile. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (30.1% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.8%) and shoplifting (10.8%). These patterns are consistent with the city's role as a coastal tourist destination and university town, where high concentrations of visitors and students may contribute to elevated levels of property crime and disorder. The seasonal context of October—marked by the clocks going back and the approach of Halloween—likely amplified anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which both exceeded UK averages by over 80%. Shoplifting remained an outlier, with rates 90% above the national average, a reflection of the city's retail density and the vulnerability of high-street stores to theft. While violent crime accounted for the largest share of incidents, property crimes collectively constituted a significant portion of the total, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in commercial zones. The data also reveals a stark contrast between categories: vehicle crime was 4% below the UK average, potentially due to the city's relatively low rates of car-related theft compared to other urban areas. This mixed picture illustrates the combination of factors shaping Brighton and Hove's crime profile, from its vibrant nightlife to its academic institutions and tourist attractions.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in possession of weapons, which rose by 38.7% from 31 to 43 incidents. This spike, though relatively small in absolute terms, is significant given the category's low base rate. Concurrently, robbery increased by 35.7% (28 to 38 cases), suggesting potential links to seasonal factors such as Halloween or increased foot traffic in retail areas. Meanwhile, burglary fell by 23.4% (107 to 82 cases), possibly reflecting heightened awareness or targeted policing efforts during the month. Shoplifting and public order offences remained high compared to the UK average, with shoplifting at 90% above the national rate (1.1 vs 0.6 per 1,000). This contrast highlights the unique pressures of Brighton and Hove's commercial districts, where anti-social behaviour and retail theft are consistently elevated. A resident might find the 1-in-95 monthly exposure figure particularly relevant when assessing personal risk in high-footfall areas.

Brighton and Hove's crime rate in October 2023 remained stable at 10.5 per 1,000, a -2.0% decrease from the previous month's 10.7 per 1,000. This suggests continuity in local crime trends despite seasonal shifts. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 96 crimes per day, reflecting the density of activity in a major coastal urban centre. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 95 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the population. When compared to the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, Brighton and Hove's rate remains elevated, though the month-on-month stability indicates no sharp divergence from recent patterns. The consistent presence of property crimes and violent offences aligns with the area's character as a tourist destination and student hub, where retail and nightlife activity may sustain higher baseline levels of certain crime types.