Hastings Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Hastings

Hastings, a historic coastal town with a population of 91,219, records an overall crime rate of 124.0 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 residents. The area's safety score stands at 72 out of 100, which is reasonable, though slightly below the UK average safety score of 78/100. Over the past year, the crime trend in Hastings has remained stable, showing a marginal increase of 1.1% year-over-year. These statistics provide a snapshot of the current safety landscape, offering context for residents and those considering the area.

About Hastings: Factors Influencing Crime Statistics

Hastings is a distinctive coastal town in East Sussex, characterised by its historical significance, vibrant seafront, and a mix of urban and suburban environments. These characteristics, alongside its socio-economic landscape, contribute to the area's crime statistics.

As a popular tourist destination, particularly its Old Town and fishing quarter, Hastings experiences a significant influx of visitors throughout the year. This increased footfall, especially in commercial and entertainment areas, can sometimes correlate with higher instances of opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour. The town also serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding region, with retail areas and transport links attracting a diverse population daily.

The population of Hastings is a blend of long-term residents and a more transient element, which can influence community cohesion and local crime patterns. Like many coastal towns, Hastings faces specific socio-economic challenges, including areas of deprivation, which can be a contributing factor to certain types of crime, such as shoplifting and some forms of violence. Understanding this interplay of urban characteristics, economic factors, and population dynamics provides a fuller picture of why Hastings records its particular crime rate and safety score.

Crime Type Analysis in Hastings

An analysis of crime types in Hastings reveals that 'Violence and sexual offences' constitute the most significant category, accounting for 36.0% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 44.6 per 1,000 people. Following this, 'Anti-social behaviour' makes up 15.3% of offences (18.9 per 1,000), and 'Shoplifting' is the third most prevalent at 12.2% (15.1 per 1,000). These top three categories highlight key areas of concern within the local community.

Property-related crime in Hastings, which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 43.1 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific figures include: criminal damage and arson (10.8 per 1,000), other theft (7.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (4.6 per 1,000), and burglary (3.1 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures underscore the importance of robust security measures to protect properties and belongings, particularly given the higher-than-average incidence of property-related offences.

Crime Trends in Hastings

Over the last year, Hastings has experienced a stable crime trend, with a slight year-over-year increase of 1.1%. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals a pattern. The latter part of 2024 saw rates around 9.0 per 1,000 (e.g., 9.2 in October, 9.0 in November, 8.6 in December). As 2025 progressed, there was a noticeable upward trend, with rates climbing from 8.8 in January and February to a peak of 12.7 in July. This mid-year surge, common in many areas, often correlates with increased outdoor activity during warmer months. Following the summer peak, rates saw a slight reduction to 11.6 in August and 10.8 in September. This pattern suggests a seasonal influence on crime levels, with residents potentially experiencing higher crime activity during the spring and summer periods.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is helpful to compare Hastings' crime statistics with those of its neighbouring areas. Hastings, with an overall crime rate of 124.0 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 72/100, presents a unique profile within the region. For instance, areas like Rother and Wealden, often characterised by more rural or suburban settings, generally exhibit lower crime rates and higher safety scores than Hastings. Eastbourne, another coastal town, might show a crime profile more comparable to Hastings, though specific figures would vary. Further inland, Tunbridge Wells, known for its affluent residential areas, typically reports significantly lower crime rates. Ashford, an important transport hub, may have a crime rate that reflects its transient population and commercial activity, potentially similar to or slightly lower than Hastings. Folkestone and Hythe, another coastal district, might share similar challenges and crime patterns. Understanding these regional differences helps residents gauge the local safety landscape.

Enhancing Your Property Protection in Hastings

Given Hastings' property crime rate of 43.1 per 1,000 people, prioritising effective home security is a sensible step for residents. While traditional CCTV cameras can record a burglary, they often provide footage after the event has occurred, offering a reactive rather than a proactive solution. True protection lies in preventing crime before it happens.

Consider a proactive approach to security. Systems like scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, are designed to detect threats at your property boundary, not after an intruder has gained entry. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify you post-event, scOS intervenes in real-time. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles. By learning your routines, scOS only alerts on genuine threats. This autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers, destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. With most burglars making a decision within 60 seconds, visible and intelligent deterrence like that offered by professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, often leading them to move on and seek an easier target.