Lewes Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Lewes

Lewes experiences an overall crime rate of 69.4 per 1,000 residents per year, which is notably lower than the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This contributes to Lewes achieving a strong safety score of 84 out of 100, surpassing the UK average of 78. In terms of recent trends, the crime rate in Lewes has remained stable over the last year, with a slight increase of 1.0% year-over-year. This stability provides a consistent context for understanding the detailed crime data presented for the area.

What Contributes to Crime Statistics in Lewes

Lewes, a historic market town and administrative centre, combines urban and rural characteristics that influence its crime statistics. As a predominantly residential and commercial area, it benefits from a strong community presence. The town centre, with its shops, restaurants, and pubs, experiences higher footfall, which can contribute to certain crime types like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Additionally, as a transport hub with a railway station, there can be a transient population passing through, potentially impacting crime figures. The overall demographic profile and economic stability of Lewes likely contribute to its relatively low property crime rate and high safety score compared to the national average.

Crime Type Analysis in Lewes

The most prevalent crime types in Lewes are Violence and sexual offences, Anti-social behaviour, and Shoplifting. Violence and sexual offences account for 25.1 per 1,000 residents, making up 36.2% of all reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows with 13.0 per 1,000 residents (18.7%), and Shoplifting at 6.3 per 1,000 residents (9.1%).

Property-related crime in Lewes stands at 20.9 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses burglary (1.7 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.0 per 1,000), other theft (4.0 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (5.7 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.3 per 1,000), robbery (0.4 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a comparatively lower risk of property-related offences, though vigilance remains important, particularly regarding theft and criminal damage.

Crime Trends in Lewes

Over the past year, Lewes has experienced a stable crime trend, with a modest 1.0% increase in overall crime year-over-year. Examining the monthly data, crime rates per 1,000 residents have fluctuated, showing some seasonal patterns. For instance, rates were lower in January (4.5) and February (4.9) of 2025, before rising to a peak in May (6.9) and July (6.9). This suggests that crime activity may see an increase during warmer months or holiday periods. Residents may find this trend reassuring, as it indicates a relatively consistent safety environment, though awareness of seasonal variations could be beneficial.

Comparing Lewes with Nearby Areas

When examining crime statistics in the wider region, Lewes offers a favourable comparison to its neighbours. Brighton and Hove, a larger urban centre, typically experiences higher crime rates due to its population density and extensive nightlife. Similarly, Eastbourne, another coastal town, often shows different crime patterns influenced by tourism and urban characteristics. Wealden, a more rural district, generally has lower crime rates, aligning with its demographic and geographic profile. Adur and Worthing, both coastal districts, present varying crime landscapes, often influenced by their respective town centres and residential areas. Mid Sussex, a largely affluent and suburban area, tends to exhibit lower crime figures. Lewes's overall crime rate of 69.4 per 1,000 and safety score of 84/100 positions it as a safer locale compared to many of these surrounding areas, providing valuable regional context for residents and prospective movers.

Protecting Your Home in Lewes

Given Lewes's property crime rate of 20.9 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average, it is still crucial for homeowners to consider robust security measures. While traditional CCTV systems can provide footage after an incident, true peace of mind comes from preventing crime before it occurs.

Proactive home security, such as an AI-powered operating system like scOS, offers a significant advantage. Instead of merely recording a burglary, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, stopping intruders before they even enter your home. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all areas simultaneously, and features like DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning help distinguish real threats from everyday routines. This autonomous response, activating lights and speakers, can destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. The visible deterrence of professional-grade equipment signals serious protection, making potential intruders think twice within that critical 60-second decision window and move on to an easier target.