Rural Brighton and Hove Crime Rate

Rural Brighton and Hove, an urban settlement, has an overall crime rate of 146.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Despite this high volume of reported crime, the area maintains a safety score of 67/100, which is better than the UK average of 50. The recent trend shows a notable increase in crime, with an 11.6% rise year-over-year based on data from December 2024 to November 2025. With a population of 2,962, the area's statistics are influenced by its unique position as a rural urban settlement. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the local crime data to help residents understand the specific safety challenges and patterns in their community.

Crime in Rural Brighton and Hove

In Rural Brighton and Hove, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.4% of all reported incidents with 145 crimes. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent category (19.6%), followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.5%. These three categories represent over 60% of the total crime in this urban settlement.

Property crime is a significant issue for the community, with a rate of 43.2 per 1,000 people. This includes 50 incidents of criminal damage and arson, 34 'other theft' reports, and 16 burglaries. While burglary and vehicle crime each account for 3.7% of the total, the overall property crime rate is considerably higher than the UK average of 32.3. For residents, this means that while violent crime is the most frequent individual category, the risk of theft or damage to property is a persistent threat. The relatively high rate for a rural settlement suggests that homeowners should not be complacent and should invest in robust security measures to protect their property and assets from opportunistic offenders.

Crime Trends in Rural Brighton and Hove

The crime trend in Rural Brighton and Hove is currently increasing, with a significant year-over-year rise of 11.6%. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows considerable volatility in the crime rate per 1,000 residents. The year began with a rate of 10.1 in December, but experienced a sharp spike in February 2025, reaching 14.5. This was followed by another high in June, with a rate of 14.2.

The latter half of the year also showed sustained high activity, with the rate climbing to 15.5 in November 2025. These peaks indicate that crime in the area is not only rising but is also subject to significant fluctuations throughout the year. For residents, this increasing trend and the presence of multiple spikes highlight the need for heightened vigilance and more robust security measures. The overall upward trajectory suggests that local law enforcement and the community may need to address emerging issues to reverse this trend and improve the safety of the area.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Brighton and Hove

The most common crime in Rural Brighton and Hove is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.4% of all reports. As crime is currently on an upward trend in the area, personal safety and community vigilance are increasingly important for all residents.

To stay safe, it is advisable to be mindful of your surroundings, especially when out during the evening or night hours. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid isolated areas where possible. If you are walking alone, staying alert and avoiding distractions like mobile phones can help you remain aware of any potential risks.

Regarding property, the high rates of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggest that visible security is a key deterrent. Ensure your home is always secured and consider installing high-quality locks on all entry points. Never leave valuables in your vehicle, as opportunistic theft is a risk. Joining a local safety group or Neighbourhood Watch can also provide an extra layer of collective security, allowing you to stay informed about local activity and share safety tips with your neighbours.

Crime in Rural Brighton and Hove follows a distinct temporal pattern throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 44% of all reported incidents. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft remains the dominant category at 47%. These peaks likely reflect the period when people are active and properties may be left unattended.

As the day transitions into evening (6pm-12am), the nature of crime shifts significantly. 'Other' crimes, which include public order and anti-social behaviour, become the majority at 58%. The most notable change occurs at night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime spikes to 27% and burglary reaches its highest percentage of 17%. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and theft-focused, the night-time presents a greater risk to personal property and vehicles. Residents should be particularly mindful of home and vehicle security during these late-night and early-morning hours when they are most vulnerable to property-related offences.

Rural Brighton and Hove's crime rate of 146.5 per 1,000 is high compared to other areas in the region. It exceeds the rate of the main Brighton and Hove urban area (126.7) and is far higher than nearby East Saltdean (23.9) and Telscombe Cliffs (52.7). Other neighbouring areas like Kingston near Lewes and Westmeston reported no crimes (0.0 per 1,000) during this period. This data indicates that Rural Brighton and Hove is a significant pocket of criminal activity within the local authority. For residents or those considering moving to the area, this comparison highlights the importance of local security and situational awareness relative to the much quieter surrounding neighbourhoods.

In an area like Rural Brighton and Hove, where the property crime rate is 43.2 per 1,000 and crime is increasing, proactive security is essential. Traditional reactive systems, such as basic CCTV or DIY doorbell cameras, only record footage of a crime after it has occurred. While this might provide evidence for a police report, it does not prevent the incident or the resulting damage and loss.

A proactive system like scOS uses AI to detect threats at the property boundary in real-time. By identifying suspicious behaviour before a break-in occurs, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating security lights or speakers to deter the intruder. In a rural settlement where vehicle crime and burglary often occur at night, having a system that can verify vehicles and provide immediate deterrence is a powerful way to protect your home. Investing in professional-grade, AI-powered security means you are prioritising prevention, ensuring that your property is not an easy target for opportunistic criminals and helping to keep your family and assets safe.