East Saltdean Crime Rate

East Saltdean Crime Statistics

East Saltdean is characterized by an exceptionally high safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an impressive safety score of 94/100. Despite this high level of security, the area has seen a recent increasing trend in reported incidents, with a 13.3% rise year-over-year. This growth reflects a slight shift in the local landscape, though the absolute numbers remain very low compared to national benchmarks. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of crime types and temporal patterns to help residents and visitors understand the safety environment of this Sussex settlement.

Crime in East Saltdean

The crime profile of East Saltdean is dominated by three main categories: violence and sexual offences, public order, and other theft. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest share, accounting for 50.0% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 12.3 per 1,000 residents. Public order offences follow at 13.2%, while other theft makes up 8.8%.

When examining property-related crime—which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—the combined rate remains remarkably low at 4.0 per 1,000 people. This is significantly below the UK average of 32.9. For residents, this suggests that while personal offences are the most frequent, the risk of property-related incidents is minimal compared to national norms. Homeowners should feel reassured by the low burglary rate, though maintaining standard security measures remains prudent to preserve this high level of safety.

East Saltdean Crime Trends

Analysis of the recent 12-month data for East Saltdean shows an increasing trend, with a year-over-year rise of 13.3%. The monthly trendData reveals that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 1.8 in November 2024 and reaching a significant peak of 4.0 in May 2025. Following this spike, the rate stabilized but remained generally higher than the previous winter's lows, with October 2025 recording 2.5 per 1,000.

This upward trend, while notable in percentage terms, must be viewed in the context of East Saltdean's very low overall crime volume. A small increase in the number of reports can cause a large percentage shift in a population of 2,767. For residents, this suggests a need for continued awareness rather than alarm, as the area maintains its position as one of the safest settlements in the Lewes local authority.

How To Keep Safe in East Saltdean

The most prevalent crime type in East Saltdean is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 50.0% of reported incidents. While the overall rate is low, personal safety remains a priority for the community.

1. Stay Aware in Public Spaces: When walking alone, especially after dark, stay in well-lit areas and keep your mobile phone accessible but not as a distraction.
2. Report Suspicious Behaviour: Because the community is small and generally safe, unusual activity is easier to spot. Report any concerns to the local police to help maintain the low crime rate.
3. Personal Safety Apps: Consider using a safety app that can share your location with trusted contacts if you are travelling late at night.
4. Secure Your Entry Points: Even in low-crime areas, ensuring that doors and windows are locked when you are away or asleep is the most effective deterrent against opportunistic crime.
5. Community Engagement: Participate in local neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about any emerging trends in the East Saltdean area.

Crime Timing in East Saltdean

Crime in East Saltdean follows a distinct temporal pattern, with theft-related activities peaking during the daylight hours. Morning and afternoon periods account for the highest concentration of theft, making up 74% and 81% of offences in those windows respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crime is most common when residents are away from home or local businesses are most active.

As the day progresses into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts. Vehicle crime becomes significantly more prominent during the night-time hours (12am - 6am), representing 31% of incidents in that period. This highlights the vulnerability of cars parked overnight. Interestingly, burglary remains at 0% across all recorded time slots, reinforcing the area's reputation for residential security. Residents should remain most vigilant about vehicle security overnight and personal property during the busy afternoon hours.

Local Context and Comparisons

When compared to its immediate neighbours, East Saltdean stands out as a particularly safe settlement. Its crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 people is roughly half that of Telscombe Cliffs, which sits at 51.6. The contrast is even more pronounced when compared to Peacehaven (74.8) and the major port town of Newhaven, where the rate is significantly higher at 116.4. The only nearby area with a superior statistical profile is the small rural village of Rodmell, which reported no crimes during the same period. For those looking for a secure urban environment in this part of the Lewes local authority, East Saltdean offers a compelling balance of accessibility and safety, maintaining a score well above the UK average of 78.

Proactive Security in East Saltdean

With a property crime rate of just 4.0 per 1,000 people, East Saltdean is a low-risk area, yet the recent 13.3% increase in crime suggests that homeowners should not be complacent. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, are often reactive—they provide footage of an incident after it has occurred. In a community as safe as East Saltdean, the goal of security should be to maintain that status by preventing crime before it reaches the front door.

The scOS artificial intelligence operating system represents a shift from recording to prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious patterns and verify vehicles via DVLA data instantly. Rather than simply notifying you of a break-in, scOS can activate autonomous responses like lighting and speakers to deter intruders. This proactive approach is particularly effective in residential areas where the element of surprise is a burglar's greatest weakness. Investing in proactive protection ensures that your home remains a hard target, preserving the peace of mind that East Saltdean is known for.