Hastings Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a town of 91,219 residents, Hastings recorded 945 crimes in June 2024, equating to 10.4 incidents per 1,000 people. This rate is 26.8% higher than the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, highlighting a significant disparity that demands closer examination. The crime profile in Hastings is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.9% of all reported incidents. This category alone reached a rate of 4.1 per 1,000, 49% above the national average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 16% of total crimes at a rate of 1.7 per 1,000—21% above the UK average. These patterns may reflect Hastings’ status as a coastal town with a mix of urban and rural characteristics, where seasonal tourism and summer activity could amplify tensions in public spaces. Criminal damage and arson also stood out, with 87 incidents reported at a rate of 1.0 per 1,000—64% above the UK average. This surge may be linked to the start of summer, when increased foot traffic and outdoor events create more opportunities for such offences. The seasonal context of June—the longest days of the year and the beginning of the tourist season—likely plays a role in shaping these trends. Hastings’ coastal location and proximity to major transport routes may further contribute to the higher-than-average rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, as these areas often experience higher volumes of transient populations. While property crimes such as burglary and shoplifting were below UK averages, the overall dominance of violent and anti-social incidents suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas.

June saw a 37% drop in burglary cases, with incidents falling from 27 to 17. This decline may reflect seasonal patterns, as summer holidays and warmer weather could reduce opportunities for residential break-ins. Conversely, possession of weapons rose sharply by 40%, with incidents increasing from 10 to 14. This spike aligns with the start of the summer season, when increased alcohol consumption and late-night activity in Hastings’ coastal areas may contribute to such offences. Violence and sexual offences remained high, with a rate of 4.1 per 1,000—49% above the UK average. This category alone accounted for nearly 40% of all crimes, underscoring a persistent challenge for local authorities. Meanwhile, shoplifting and burglary were below UK averages, suggesting effective policing in retail zones and residential areas.

Hastings’ crime rate in June 2024 fell by 9% compared to May, declining from 11.4 to 10.4 per 1,000 residents. While this marks a welcome drop, the rate remains 26.8% above the UK average. Daily crime activity averaged 32 incidents, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 97 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure offers a tangible sense of scale: in a town of nearly 91,000 people, the likelihood of encountering a crime in June was approximately 1.03%. Though the decrease suggests some local factors may have tempered crime trends, the persistent gap from the UK average highlights ongoing challenges. The population context also matters: Hastings’ density and coastal character likely influence both the frequency and nature of incidents compared to more rural or urban areas.