East Saltdean Crime Rate

Crime statistics for East Saltdean, within the Lewes district, reveal a nuanced picture of safety. Over the period of January 2025 to December 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 25.0 per 1,000 residents. This figure is considerably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a greater incidence of reported crime. While the safety score is relatively high at 94/100, this is offset by a concerning upward trend. Crime has been increasing by a significant 27.8% year-on-year, a shift that warrants attention and proactive measures to ensure community wellbeing.

The crime landscape in East Saltdean is primarily influenced by its residential nature and proximity to the coast. The area’s population of 2767 contributes to a relatively low population density, which can impact crime patterns. While the community benefits from a strong sense of neighbourliness, the presence of some seasonal visitors and potential for opportunistic crime remain factors. The area’s characteristics, including its mix of housing types and some limited commercial activity, can contribute to the types of crimes observed. Demographic factors, such as the age profile of residents, may also play a role in the prevalence of certain offences.

The significant 27.8% year-on-year increase in crime rates for East Saltdean is a concerning trend. Examining monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in May 2025 at 4.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. While rates dipped in April and June, July and August showed a rebound. The recent months of October and November show a decrease, but remain significantly higher than the baseline of 2.2 per 1,000 observed in January 2025. This upward trajectory underscores the need for a proactive and coordinated response from law enforcement, community organizations, and residents to address the underlying factors driving this rise.

How To Keep Safe in East Saltdean

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and vigilance. With public order offences also being prominent, be aware of your behaviour in public spaces and avoid confrontations. Due to the higher incidence of theft, secure your belongings carefully and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Finally, be cautious of strangers and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Crimes in East Saltdean tend to follow a pattern influenced by the area’s daily rhythm. During the morning hours (6am to 12pm), theft and other crime types are more prevalent, likely linked to commercial activity and daytime routines. The afternoon (12pm to 6pm) sees a continuation of theft, often associated with shopping and errands. As evening descends (6pm to 12am), there’s a shift, with a notable increase in vehicle crime and a rise in other crime types. The night hours (12am to 6am) are characterized by a continuation of theft and a slightly higher proportion of other crime, potentially reflecting opportunistic behaviour during quieter periods.

East Saltdean's crime rate is noticeably different from its neighbours. Telscombe Cliffs experiences a considerably higher rate at 52.5 per 1,000, while Peacehaven has a rate of 77.0 per 1,000. In contrast, Rodmell reports a remarkably low rate of 0.0 per 1,000, showcasing a stark difference in safety levels. Newhaven, however, demonstrates a considerably higher rate at 117.1 per 1,000, highlighting the variable safety conditions across the Lewes district. Understanding these comparisons can provide context for assessing the overall safety of East Saltdean.

Traditional CCTV systems often serve as a recording device, documenting a burglary in progress. However, a proactive approach to home security, like that offered by scOS, focuses on prevention. scOS uses AI to analyse camera feeds in real-time, detecting potential threats – such as unfamiliar vehicles or individuals – at your property boundary. Its DVLA vehicle verification instantly identifies suspicious vehicles, and its pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. Consider that most burglars decide within 60 seconds; scOS’s visible deterrence can make them reconsider, effectively preventing the crime from happening. If you’re serious about protecting your home in an area with rising crime rates like East Saltdean, a preventative system like scOS offers a significant advantage over reactive measures.