Monthly Crime Statistics

Hastings Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2023, Hastings recorded a crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 residents, 37.5% above the UK average. Violent crimes increased sharply, with robbery rising by 150% compared to the previous month.

1,001
Total Crimes
11
Per 1,000 People
8
UK Average
+11.3%
vs Previous Month

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The per-capita crime rate in Hastings during May 2023 stood at 11.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 37.5% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This rate translates to a tangible risk for residents, with one crime reported for every 91 individuals over the course of the month. The breakdown of crimes reveals a worrying dominance of violent and property-related offences, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 38.6% of all reported incidents. This category alone was 51% above the UK average, a figure that underscores the urgency of addressing safety concerns in the area. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.4% of total crimes, while criminal damage and arson accounted for 10.1%. These patterns are likely influenced by the seasonal dynamics of Hastings, a coastal town where longer evenings and increased social activity during May could contribute to higher levels of public disorder. The relatively low rates of shoplifting and burglary compared to the UK average suggest that targeted prevention efforts in retail and residential areas may be yielding some positive results. However, the significant increases in drug-related crimes and public order offences highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to community safety.

May 2023 saw a sharp 150% increase in robbery cases, rising from 4 to 10 incidents. This surge, combined with a 70% rise in drug-related crimes, indicates a troubling shift in criminal activity patterns. Conversely, shoplifting decreased by 42.4%, with reported cases dropping from 66 to 38, possibly due to heightened police presence or seasonal changes in consumer behaviour. The violent crime category, particularly violence and sexual offences, remained 51% above the UK average at 4.2 per 1,000. This stark discrepancy highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of nightlife and social gatherings. The 57.1% increase in public order offences, now at 99 cases, suggests a growing challenge in managing community interactions during the longer evenings of spring. These figures offer a clear snapshot of the challenges faced by local law enforcement and the community at large.

Hastings' crime rate in May 2023 rose to 11.0 per 1,000 residents, marking an 11.3% increase from April's 9.9 per 1,000. This translates to roughly 32 crimes reported daily, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 91 residents, a statistic that places the local population at a higher risk compared to national benchmarks. While the UK average crime rate stands at 8.0 per 1,000, Hastings' rate is higher, reflecting a need for continued vigilance. The increase in violent crimes and anti-social behaviour, in particular, suggests a shift in the types of incidents occurring, which may be linked to the extended evenings and increased social activity typical of May. This context is crucial for residents to understand the evolving nature of crime in their community and to take appropriate measures for personal safety.

Crime Breakdown - May 2023

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences3864.238.6%
Anti-social behaviour1541.715.4%
Criminal damage and arson1011.110.1%
Public order991.19.9%
Other theft740.87.4%
Vehicle crime460.54.6%
Shoplifting380.43.8%
Drugs340.43.4%
Burglary190.21.9%
Other crime170.21.7%
Possession of weapons120.11.2%
Robbery100.11%
Theft from the person70.10.7%
Bicycle theft400.4%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Hastings

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 16 April 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month