Brighton and Hove Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a city of 283,870 residents, 3144 crimes in May 2025 equate to 11.1 crimes per 1000 people, 37% above the UK average of 8.1. This rate reflects a combination of factors inherent to Brighton and Hove’s character as a coastal resort and university city with a vibrant nightlife. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (30.5% of total), anti-social behaviour (17.7%), and shoplifting (12.1%). These figures align with patterns seen in areas with high foot traffic, tourist activity, and student populations. The seasonal context of May—longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to higher reports of public order offences and violence. While shoplifting rates fell by 21.2% compared to April, the city’s retail centres remain a focal point for property crimes. The persistent gap between Brighton and Hove’s crime rate and the UK average underscores the need for tailored local strategies, particularly in managing alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour and ensuring adequate policing during peak social hours.

May 2025 saw a 145.8% increase in theft from the person, rising from 24 to 59 incidents—a sharp spike that may reflect increased outdoor activity during longer evenings. Bicycle theft also rose by 50%, potentially linked to the city’s cycling infrastructure and tourist traffic. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 21.2% compared to April, though it remains 94% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1000. The city’s violent crime rate (3.4 per 1000) is 20% above the UK average, highlighting concerns in areas with concentrated nightlife and social hubs. Anti-social behaviour, at 2.0 per 1000, is 41% above the UK average, likely driven by the mix of students, tourists, and residents in densely populated areas. Vehicle crime is 25% below the UK average, suggesting that parking management strategies in Brighton and Hove may be effective in reducing this category.

The crime rate in May 2025 (11.1 per 1000) marked a 2.2% increase from April’s rate of 10.8, reflecting a slight upward trend over the past month. On a daily basis, the city experienced approximately 101 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a densely populated urban environment. Over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for every 90 residents—a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of criminal activity in a city with a population of 283,870. This rate is significantly higher than the UK average, which may be attributed to Brighton and Hove’s unique demographic profile as a hub for tourism, education, and cultural events. The combination of high foot traffic, seasonal fluctuations, and the city’s coastal geography likely amplifies the visibility of certain crimes, such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences, compared to more rural or industrial areas.