Eastbourne Crime Rate

Eastbourne presents a complex safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 128.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 72/100, which is below the national average of 78. The crime trend in the area is currently stable, showing a minor 3.2% increase year-over-year. As a major coastal resort and commercial centre, Eastbourne's statistics are influenced by high visitor numbers and an active town centre. While these figures may seem high, they are often concentrated in specific urban areas. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics to help residents and businesses understand the local crime landscape and take appropriate safety measures.

Eastbourne is a prominent coastal resort town in East Sussex, known for its high tourism influx, particularly during the summer months. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its unique blend of a large permanent residential population and a significant transient population of visitors. The town centre serves as a major commercial hub with a high density of retail outlets, which contributes to shoplifting figures. Additionally, Eastbourne's active night-time economy and transport links to other major coastal towns can influence public order and anti-social behaviour statistics. The presence of a varied demographic, from retirees to young families and students, also shapes the local safety profile. Economic factors related to seasonal employment and the town's role as a regional service centre are also relevant to its overall crime rate and safety score.

In Eastbourne, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.4% of all reported incidents. Shoplifting is the second most common crime at 18.6%, reflecting the town's active retail sector, followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.1%. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, shoplifting, theft, and vehicle offences, occurs at a rate of 49.4 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.9, making property security a high priority for local homeowners and businesses. For residents, the data indicates that while violent crime is the most frequent category, the high rate of property crime, particularly shoplifting and other thefts, highlights a persistent risk to physical assets. Ensuring homes and businesses are properly secured is essential to mitigate these risks.

The crime rate in Eastbourne has remained stable, with a minor 3.2% increase year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly trend data reveals that crime rates were lowest in the winter months, with December 2024 recording 8.8 crimes per 1,000 people. As the year progressed, the rate increased, peaking in May 2025 at 12.4 and remaining high through the summer months, with July at 12.0. This seasonal pattern is common in coastal resort towns, where increased tourism and outdoor activity often coincide with higher crime reports. Since the summer peak, the rate has begun to decline slightly, ending the period at 10.2 in October. For residents, this suggests that the summer months require a higher level of vigilance, while the overall stable trend indicates a consistent safety environment throughout the year.

Eastbourne serves as the primary urban and commercial hub for the surrounding region, which is reflected in its higher crime rate compared to its neighbours. Surrounding local authorities such as Wealden, Lewes, and Rother typically report much lower crime rates, as they are more rural or suburban in character. Similarly, nearby towns like Tunbridge Wells also show a lower crime profile. While Eastbourne offers more amenities and a busier lifestyle, this comes with a higher statistical risk of crime. For those considering the region, Eastbourne is the most active area for police reports, while the neighbouring districts provide a quieter, lower-crime alternative.

With a property crime rate of 49.4 per 1,000 residents, Eastbourne is an area where robust security is a necessity rather than an option. Traditional security systems often rely on recording a crime as it happens, providing footage for the police after the damage is done. However, truly effective protection is proactive. The scOS AI-powered operating system represents a shift in home and business security by preventing crime before it occurs. By using multi-camera intelligence and advanced pattern learning, scOS can identify a genuine threat at the property boundary. Instead of just notifying you of a break-in, it can autonomously engage deterrents like lights and speakers to destroy the element of surprise. For Eastbourne residents and business owners, moving from reactive recording to proactive AI detection is the most effective way to counter the area's higher-than-average property crime rate and ensure that your assets are truly protected.

How To Keep Safe in Eastbourne

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Eastbourne, accounting for over 31% of incidents. To enhance your personal safety, especially in the town centre and near nightlife areas, it is advisable to stay in groups and use well-lit, busy routes when walking at night. Being aware of your surroundings and having a planned route home can significantly reduce risk. Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are also major factors, so businesses should invest in high-quality security and join local business crime reduction partnerships. For homeowners, the high property crime rate means that basic security is often not enough. Ensure that all entry points are robustly secured and that valuables are not visible from the street. Reporting any suspicious activity to the local police immediately helps maintain community safety. By staying vigilant and taking proactive security measures, you can enjoy all that Eastbourne has to offer while minimising your personal risk.