Hastings Crime Rate

Crime in Hastings

Hastings currently has an overall crime rate of 126.6 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK average of 93.1. This results in a safety score of 71/100, placing it below the national average for security. The crime trend in the area is currently classified as stable, showing a modest 4.6% increase year-over-year. As a coastal town with significant tourism and urban density, Hastings faces unique challenges that contribute to these figures. While certain crime types are more prevalent than others, the data indicates a consistent level of activity throughout the year, with a slight peak during the summer months. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of these statistics to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

About Hastings

Hastings is a historic coastal town in East Sussex, known for its fishing heritage, tourism, and diverse community. As a significant urban centre on the south coast, its crime statistics are influenced by several factors common to seaside resorts. The town experiences a high influx of seasonal visitors, which can increase the transient population and put pressure on local services. Economically, Hastings has areas of significant deprivation, which often correlates with higher crime rates in urban environments.

The town's layout, featuring a busy commercial seafront, a historic Old Town, and large residential estates, creates varied environments for different types of criminal activity. Nightlife around the town centre and seafront also contributes to public order and alcohol-related incidents. Furthermore, Hastings serves as a transport hub for the region, which can facilitate the movement of people and, occasionally, criminal activity. These socio-economic and geographic factors combine to result in a crime rate that is notably higher than the UK average, though the town remains a vibrant and popular place to live and visit.

Crime Breakdown in Hastings

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Hastings, accounting for 4,109 incidents, which represents 35.6% of all recorded crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 15.6%, followed by shoplifting at 12.5%. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle crime—the rate is 44.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9.

For residents, this means that while violent crime is the highest category, the cumulative risk of theft-related offences is substantial. Shoplifting and criminal damage (8.6%) are particularly prominent, suggesting that commercial and residential properties are frequently targeted. The relatively low percentage of burglary (2.4%) is a positive note, but the overall volume of property crime necessitates robust security measures for local homeowners and business owners.

Crime Trends in Hastings

The crime rate in Hastings has remained relatively stable over the past year, with a slight increase of 4.6% year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly trend data reveals a clear seasonal pattern. Crime rates were at their lowest in the winter months, with 8.6 per 1,000 in December 2024. However, as the town entered the spring and summer seasons, activity increased steadily, peaking at 12.7 per 1,000 in July 2025. This peak likely coincides with increased tourism and warmer weather, which often leads to more public activity. Since that peak, the rate has fluctuated but remains higher than the previous winter's lows, suggesting a consistent baseline of activity for the town.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the context of the wider East Sussex and Kent border region, Hastings stands out with a significantly higher crime rate than its neighbours. Surrounding local authorities such as Rother, Wealden, and Eastbourne report significantly lower crime figures, as do nearby Kent districts like Ashford and Tunbridge Wells. While some of these areas report near-zero statistics in specific data sets, the contrast highlights Hastings' role as a major urban and commercial centre where crime is more concentrated. For those seeking a quieter residential environment, the rural areas of Rother or Wealden offer much lower crime rates, though they lack the urban amenities and transport links found in Hastings.

Proactive Security in Hastings

With a property crime rate of 44.2 per 1,000 residents—well above the UK average—home and business security in Hastings requires a serious approach. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard smart cameras, often fail because they are reactive. They may notify you that a window has been broken or record footage of a masked intruder, but by then, the damage is already done. In an area with frequent shoplifting and criminal damage, a more advanced solution is necessary.

The scOS security platform offers proactive protection by using AI to detect threats before they reach your building. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder loitering at your boundary. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like floodlights or audio warnings. For Hastings residents, this means moving beyond simple recording to active prevention, ensuring your property is seen as a hard target that is not worth the risk.

How To Keep Safe in Hastings

The highest crime category in Hastings is violence and sexual offences, which is common in larger urban areas with active night-time economies. To stay safe, consider the following regional advice:

• Plan Your Travel: When enjoying Hastings' nightlife or seafront, plan your journey home in advance and stick to well-lit, busy pedestrian routes.
• Be Mindful in Crowds: In high-traffic tourist areas like the Old Town or the seafront, keep your belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft and pickpocketing.
• Home Security Basics: Given the higher property crime rate, ensure your home is visible and well-lit. Motion-activated lighting is a simple but effective deterrent for anti-social behaviour.
• Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps authorities allocate resources to the most affected areas.
• Secure Commercial Premises: If you own a business, particularly in retail, invest in high-quality deterrents to combat the high rate of shoplifting in the town centre.