Hastings Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Hastings recorded a crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents in November 2024, placing it 18.4% above the UK average of 7.6. This figure reflects a combination of local dynamics and seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 39.1% of all reported incidents and remaining 36% above the UK average. Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour also featured prominently, with the former exceeding the UK rate by 45% and the latter showing a 19% deficit. These patterns align with Hastings' character as a coastal town with a mix of urban and rural areas, where retail hubs and seasonal events like Bonfire Night and Black Friday may influence crime trends. The high proportion of violent crime is consistent with Hastings' history as a major seaside resort, where transient populations and late-night activity can contribute to higher rates of assault and disorder. Meanwhile, the relatively low burglary rate—35% below the UK average—suggests that residential areas may benefit from robust security measures or lower foot traffic during the winter months. November's darker evenings and colder weather may have reduced opportunities for certain crimes, though the sharp rise in bicycle theft highlights vulnerabilities in outdoor crime prevention. The data also shows a 58% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average, linked to the town's older housing stock or the impact of seasonal festivities. As Hastings transitions into the holiday season, local authorities will need to balance targeted interventions with broader community engagement to address these persistent challenges.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in November 2024 was the 150% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 2 to 5 incidents. This sharp rise, though small in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as Black Friday shopping spiking demand for bikes or increased visibility of cycling during darker evenings. Concurrently, vehicle crime rose by 54.8%, from 31 to 48 incidents, potentially linked to the same seasonal pressures or increased retail activity in the town centre. In contrast, burglary fell by 50% compared to October, with incidents dropping from 32 to 16. This decline could be attributed to enhanced security measures around properties during the holiday season or reduced opportunities due to shorter daylight hours. Violence and sexual offences remained 36% above the UK average at 3.5 per 1,000, a persistent concern for local authorities. Residents may find the 55.6% decrease in theft from the person, from 9 to 4 incidents, a positive sign, though the underlying reasons for this drop remain unclear.

Hastings' crime rate in November 2024 remained stable at 9.0 per 1,000 residents, a 1.5% decrease from the previous month's 9.2. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall crime trends. On a daily basis, 27 crimes were reported each day in November, highlighting the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 111 residents, a figure that contextualizes the scale of criminal activity relative to Hastings' population of 91,219. While this monthly exposure rate is slightly higher than the UK average, it underscores the need for ongoing community-focused policing strategies. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the significant swings observed in specific categories, such as bicycle theft and vehicle crime, which will be explored in the highlights section.