Hastings Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Hastings recorded a crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents in September 2024, placing it 28.6% above the UK average of 7.7. This coastal town’s crime profile reflects a mix of urban and tourist influences, with violence and sexual offences (303 incidents) making up 33.5% of all crimes, followed by shoplifting (139) and anti-social behaviour (130). The surge in shoplifting—up 135.6% from August—aligns with seasonal patterns, as September marks the start of the university term and increased foot traffic in Hastings’ retail areas. The rise in violence and sexual offences may partly explain the 26% gap between Hastings’ rate for this category and the UK average, likely linked to the area’s nightlife and social hubs. Anti-social behaviour, which rose 24% from August, may also reflect the transition to shorter evenings and increased youth activity in public spaces. Hastings’ crime picture contrasts sharply with the UK average for vehicle crime, which is 33% below the national rate, suggesting lower levels of vehicle-related incidents in this area. The seasonal context of September—back to school, university freshers, and the onset of darker evenings—may contribute to fluctuations in crime types. This snapshot highlights Hastings as an area where local dynamics, including tourism and education, intersect with broader national trends in crime.

September 2024 saw a dramatic 135.6% increase in shoplifting, rising from 59 to 139 incidents. This surge, which is 121% above the UK average, may be linked to the influx of students and tourists during the start of the academic year. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 30%, dropping from 40 to 28, a rate 33% below the UK average—potentially reflecting lower demand for car-related theft in Hastings’ relatively compact urban layout. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 24%, from 171 to 130, though it remains 20% above the UK average. The category of 'other crime' saw a 50% increase, with 18 incidents reported, which may include unclassified or emerging issues. Burglary rose by 40% to 21 incidents, still 35% below the UK average, suggesting a possible focus on targeted properties rather than widespread residential crime. Theft from the person fell by 28.6%, from 7 to 5, aligning with the UK rate. For residents, the data reveals that Hastings’ crime mix is heavily skewed toward violent and property-related offences, with violent crimes accounting for 33.5% of the total. This breakdown underscores the need for targeted community engagement in areas with high concentrations of nightlife and retail activity.

Hastings’ crime rate in September 2024 was 9.9 per 1,000 residents, a 5.1% decrease from August’s 10.5 rate. This decline contrasts with the area’s overall position above the UK average, which remains at 7.7 per 1,000. Over the course of the month, 1 in 101 residents in Hastings experienced a reported crime, a figure that highlights the localised intensity of crime despite the slight monthly reduction. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 30 crimes per day, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents than aggregated monthly rates. Hastings’ population of 91,219 means that even small changes in crime rates translate to significant absolute numbers—905 crimes in September equate to over one crime for every 100 residents. While the rate has decreased slightly from August, Hastings remains higher than the UK average, particularly for violent and property-related offences. This suggests that local factors—such as the town’s role as a tourist destination and its proximity to educational institutions—continue to exert a stronger influence on crime patterns than the national trend. The comparison with the UK highlights the need for sustained efforts to address specific local challenges, even as month-on-month improvements are noted.