Lewes Crime Rate

Lewes exhibits a crime rate of 64.4 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, as of December 2025. This figure sits significantly below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, placing it 29.3% below the national benchmark. While the overall trend remains stable, showing a slight decrease of 5.0% year-on-year, fluctuations in specific crime categories warrant closer examination. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of crime trends in Lewes, drawing from data collected between February and December 2025, to inform residents and prospective newcomers about safety and security within the local authority.

Lewes is a historic market town with a diverse population and a mix of residential, commercial, and rural areas. The town’s central location and accessibility contribute to its vibrancy but also present challenges related to crime. The presence of a historic market square and various public spaces can attract anti-social behaviour, while the town’s popularity as a destination for tourism and leisure activities can also lead to increased opportunities for crime. Demographically, Lewes boasts a mix of ages and socio-economic backgrounds, contributing to the complexities of its crime profile. Understanding these factors is essential for interpreting the local crime statistics.

The most prevalent crime types in Lewes, based on data from February to December 2025, are Violence and Sexual Offences (2344 crimes), Anti-social Behaviour (1318 crimes), and Shoplifting (600 crimes). Violence and Sexual Offences represent 22.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, a rate 29% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour stands at 12.9 per 1,000, 13% below the national average, while shoplifting is recorded at 5.9 per 1,000, a 23% decrease compared to the UK average. Overall, property crime in Lewes totals 18.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, reflecting a varied range of offenses impacting the local community.

Crime in Lewes has remained stable, decreasing by 5.0% year-on-year between February and December 2025. Monthly crime rates fluctuated throughout the period, peaking in May 2025 at 6.9 incidents per 1,000 residents and reaching a low of 4.9 per 1,000 in February 2025. While the overall trend is positive, it’s important to note that Robbery saw a significant increase of 127.8% YoY, indicating an area of concern requiring further attention. The consistent decline in several other crime types, however, suggests ongoing preventative measures are having a positive impact.

Lewes’s crime rate of 64.4 per 1,000 residents is comparatively lower than several neighbouring local authorities. Eastbourne, for instance, reports a significantly higher crime rate of 121.5 per 1,000, while Wealden demonstrates a safer environment with a rate of 48.1 per 1,000. Comparing with other neighbours, Adur (66.0 per 1,000), Mid Sussex (54.2 per 1,000), and Worthing (87.7 per 1,000) also reveals that Lewes generally maintains a lower crime rate than the majority of surrounding areas.

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How To Keep Safe in Lewes

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, being aware of your surroundings, especially at night, is crucial. Consider walking with a friend or utilising well-lit routes. Anti-social behaviour is another common occurrence; reporting any incidents to the authorities can help deter future problems. Due to the prevalence of shoplifting, keep valuables secure when in public spaces. Finally, be mindful of your belongings and surroundings to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime.