Hastings Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Hastings reveal a complex picture. Over the period of January 2025 to December 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 128.0 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the UK average of 91.6. This represents an increase of 6.3% year-on-year. The most prevalent crime types include violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting. Understanding these figures and the contributing factors is vital for residents and local authorities to implement effective strategies and enhance overall safety within the community. This page aims to provide a clear overview of crime trends and offer practical advice for personal safety.

Hastings, a coastal town in East Sussex, possesses a unique blend of historic charm and modern challenges. The town’s popularity as a tourist destination, combined with a diverse socio-economic profile and a significant student population, contributes to a complex social landscape. The vibrancy of the town centre, while attractive, draws both residents and visitors, potentially creating opportunities for petty crime. Residential areas experience different pressures, influenced by seasonal fluctuations in population and the presence of temporary workers. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial when interpreting the available crime statistics and developing effective prevention strategies.

Crime in Hastings is largely driven by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.9% of all reported incidents (4077 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue, representing 15.9% of recorded crimes (1854 incidents), often linked to the town’s busy social scene. Shoplifting contributes significantly with 12.9% of all crimes (1510 incidents), reflecting the retail environment. Overall property crime stands at a concerning rate of 45.0 per 1,000 residents annually, encompassing a wide range of offences. While burglary rates are relatively low, the impact on victims is significant, highlighting the importance of preventative measures.

Crime in Hastings has been steadily increasing throughout the reporting period, culminating in a 6.3% year-on-year rise. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals a general upward trend, with peaks observed in July (12.7 per 1,000) and October (11.8 per 1,000). While there was a slight dip in November and December (9.6 and 9.4 per 1,000 respectively), the overall trajectory remains concerning, highlighting the need for proactive intervention and community engagement to address the root causes of this increase.

Compared to Hastings, neighbouring areas such as Rother, Eastbourne, Wealden, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, and Folkestone and Hythe exhibit significantly lower crime rates, all reporting a rate of 0.0 per 1,000 residents. This stark contrast highlights Hastings' unique challenges and the importance of targeted interventions to improve safety and reduce crime.

Traditional CCTV systems often record footage after a burglary has occurred – offering little preventative value. scOS offers a different approach. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, proactively detects threats at your property boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence constantly watches all cameras simultaneously, identifying potential risks before they escalate. DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. This autonomous response, with lights and speakers activating, creates an element of surprise that often deters criminals. The visible presence of scOS signals serious protection, making that 60-second decision easy – they move on. While DIY security systems have their place, a professional-grade system like scOS offers a significantly higher level of protection in an area like Hastings.

How To Keep Safe in Hastings

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be vigilant in public spaces. Avoid walking alone at night where possible and stick to well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts – if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself. To protect against the risk of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, be mindful of your belongings when shopping and consider avoiding areas known for these issues. Finally, ensure your home is secure with robust locks and an alarm system to deter potential burglars.