Hastings Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Hastings' crime rate in September 2025 stood at 10.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 45.9% above the UK average of 7.4. This significant disparity highlights the area's unique crime profile, shaped by its status as a coastal town with a substantial student population. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (32.7% of total crimes), anti-social behaviour (17.0%), and shoplifting (14.2%). These figures align with Hastings' characteristics as a major seaside resort and commuter town, where seasonal fluctuations and demographic factors play a prominent role. The summer months typically see increased foot traffic from tourists and students, a pattern that may have contributed to the elevated rates of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour observed in September. The UK comparison underscores the need for targeted strategies to address the area's above-average violence rates, which were 36% higher than the national average. The seasonal context of September—marking the start of the academic year and the transition to shorter evenings—likely influenced crime patterns, with increased youth activity and social interactions potentially driving incidents of violence and public order offences. While the overall crime rate remained elevated, the slight month-on-month decrease (from 11.6 to 10.8) suggests some degree of normalization as the area adjusts to the new season.

September 2025 saw significant increases in possession of weapons (+71.4%) and public order offences (+12.8%) compared to August, suggesting a shift in crime patterns as the academic year began. Meanwhile, theft from the person fell by 75%, likely reflecting reduced foot traffic during the early weeks of the term. The breakdown of crime types reveals stark contrasts with the UK average, particularly in shoplifting (1.5 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (1.8 per 1,000), both of which are well above national benchmarks. Violent crimes, at 3.5 per 1,000, were 36% higher than the UK average, a figure that may be linked to the town's proximity to university campuses and the influx of new students. Vehicle crime remained aligned with the UK average, with no significant change reported, a contrast to the sharp rises seen in other categories. These shifts illustrate the combination of seasonal factors and local demographics in shaping crime trends.

Hastings' crime rate in September 2025 fell slightly to 10.8 per 1,000 residents, a 6.8% reduction from the previous month's rate of 11.6. This decline, though modest, suggests some stabilization in the area's crime profile following a summer period of elevated activity. On a daily basis, 33 crimes were reported each day in September, a figure that translates to roughly one crime for every 93 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure remains significantly higher than the UK average, the slight downward trend may reflect seasonal shifts as the area transitions from summer to autumn. The population context reveals that Hastings, with 91,219 residents, experiences a higher concentration of certain crime types compared to the national average. This is particularly evident in categories such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which are represented in local statistics. The comparison to the UK average underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where Hastings' crime profile diverges most sharply, such as public order offences and violence.