Hastings Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Hastings' crime rate in January 2026 stood at 10.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure 57.4% higher than the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark deviation from national trends underscores the area's unique crime profile, shaped by its coastal location and seasonal rhythms. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.6% of all crimes, with 317 reported cases, while shoplifting emerged as the second most common category, contributing 15.7% of total incidents. These figures highlight a notable imbalance in crime types, with property crimes (384) slightly outpacing violent crimes (317)—a contrast to the UK average, where violent crime typically dominates. January's post-holiday context, characterised by shorter days and reduced retail footfall, may partly explain this dynamic, though the persistent high rate of shoplifting suggests deeper patterns tied to Hastings' commercial infrastructure. The town's coastal identity and commuter traffic likely contribute to vehicle crime rates, which were 89% above the UK average. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and public order offences, both elevated compared to national benchmarks, reflect ongoing challenges in managing community interactions in public spaces. This crime profile aligns with Hastings' role as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where seasonal transitions and local demographics create a unique environment for criminal activity.

January 2026 saw a sharp 150% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 5 incidents—a troubling spike that may reflect post-holiday vulnerabilities. Vehicle crime surged by 57.1%, with 66 reported cases, marking a stark contrast to the previous month's 42. This jump could be linked to increased traffic during the festive season's aftermath or changes in parking patterns. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson fell by 19.2%, from 78 to 63 incidents, though this decline remains modest against the backdrop of overall rising crime. The property-crime-to-violent-crime ratio in Hastings (384 property crimes to 317 violent crimes) contrasts with the UK average, where violent crime typically dominates. Shoplifting, at 153 cases, is 198% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, a disparity that may be explained by Hastings' retail presence and seasonal footfall patterns. Residents should be particularly vigilant in high-traffic areas during the post-holiday period.

Hastings' crime rate in January 2026 rose 13.8% from 9.4 to 10.7 per 1,000 residents compared to December, reflecting a continued upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 31 reported crimes per day, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in the local community. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 94 residents, a statistic that highlights the frequency of incidents in a population of 91,219. This monthly exposure rate, while not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, aligns with Hastings' broader pattern of elevated crime rates relative to the national average. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a higher risk of encountering crime than the UK average, particularly in categories such as violence and shoplifting, which both exceed UK norms by significant margins. This context suggests that local factors, such as the town's coastal location and seasonal fluctuations, may contribute to these trends.