Hastings Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Hastings' crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000 in February 2026 places it 57.8% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, highlighting a significant deviation from national trends. Violence and sexual offences emerged as the most prevalent category, accounting for 29.7% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.5%) and shoplifting (16.0%). This coastal town’s crime profile reflects a mix of urban and suburban dynamics, with high street activity likely contributing to shoplifting rates and public spaces driving anti-social behaviour. Seasonal context suggests that February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have influenced crime patterns, with some categories seeing reduced incidents due to colder weather and shorter daylight hours. However, the sharp increase in anti-social behaviour—109% above the UK average—raises questions about community engagement and policing strategies in the area. The dominance of violent crimes, which are 29% above the UK average, underscores a need for targeted interventions in high-risk zones. While shoplifting remains a concern, the 176% above UK average figure indicates a possible link to local retail hubs or transient populations. These findings suggest that Hastings’ crime profile is shaped by both its coastal character and the pressures of a densely populated local authority district.

February 2026 saw notable fluctuations in crime types, with public order offences surging by 43.9% (from 57 to 82) and anti-social behaviour rising by 23.0% (from 139 to 171). These increases, particularly in public order, are 120% above the UK average and may reflect the challenges of managing community spaces during winter months. Conversely, theft from the person plummeted by 80.0% (from 5 to 1), a stark contrast to the 100% below UK average for this category. This drop could be attributed to heightened awareness during the holiday season or changes in retail activity. Vehicle crime also fell by 39.4% (from 66 to 40), linked to reduced outdoor movement in colder weather. The persistent elevation of violent crimes—29% above the UK average—remains a critical concern, with 274 incidents recorded. This figure suggests a need for focused policing in areas with high foot traffic or nightlife activity. Burglary increased by 29.2% (from 24 to 31), though it remains 20% above the UK average, indicating a possible link to unoccupied properties during winter. These shifts in crime mix highlight the dynamic nature of Hastings’ security challenges, requiring adaptive strategies to address both rising and declining trends.

Hastings’ crime rate in February 2026 (10.1 per 1,000) marked a 5.1% decline from the previous month’s rate of 10.7 per 1,000, a slight but notable improvement. This decrease, however, does not bring the area closer to the UK average, as it remains 57.8% above the national figure. On a daily basis, Hastings experienced an average of 33 crimes per day in February, a figure that, while locally contextual, underscores the frequency of incidents in a town of 91,219 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 99 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not directly comparable to UK-wide metrics, illustrates the scale of local policing efforts. Population context reveals that Hastings’ crime rate is high relative to its size, with categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting far exceeding UK averages. This contrast highlights the need for tailored approaches to address localised issues, such as the 176% above UK average for shoplifting, which may be linked to Hastings’ coastal retail infrastructure. The slight month-on-month decline, while positive, must be viewed against the backdrop of persistent challenges that keep Hastings’ crime profile significantly higher than the national standard.