Lewes Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Lewes' overall crime rate in August 2023 was 6.4 per 1,000 residents, 21% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, masks a combination of crime types and local conditions. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 33.3% of all reported incidents. This category remained 20% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the area's demographic profile and policing priorities. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.9% of total crimes, yet it was 31% below the national rate. The seasonal context of August—as a peak holiday month—introduces potential variables, such as increased tourism and temporary population shifts, which may influence both property crime and public order incidents. Public order offences, however, bucked the trend by being 17% above the UK average, a discrepancy that could stem from local factors like the town's historic character or specific community dynamics. The data also reveals a stark contrast in property crime: while burglary increased by 44.4% month-on-month, shoplifting and vehicle crime both remained below UK averages, suggesting a combination of targeted policing and environmental factors. These patterns, though data-driven, invite further consideration of how Lewes' unique geography and social fabric interact with broader crime trends.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in August 2023 was the 44.4% increase in burglary cases, rising from 18 to 26 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000 (12% below), may partly reflect seasonal dynamics such as the peak holiday period, when empty homes and increased foot traffic could heighten vulnerability. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 50%, declining from 10 to 5 cases—a stark contrast that might indicate effective local measures or seasonal patterns, given August's typically warmer weather and higher outdoor activity. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 33.3% of all crimes, yet they remained 20% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour also showed a significant gap, 31% below the national rate, though this category saw no month-on-month change. The UK average comparison for public order offences, which were 17% above the national rate, highlights a unique local challenge in managing such incidents, linked to Lewes' character as a historic town with specific social dynamics.

Lewes' crime rate in August 2023 stood at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, marking an 8.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.0. This decline, while modest, aligns with broader trends observed in the area. On a daily basis, 21 crimes were reported across the 31 days of August, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity within the district. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 157 residents, a metric that provides a clear snapshot of the monthly exposure to crime for local residents. When compared to the UK average, Lewes' overall crime rate remains lower, reflecting a consistent pattern of below-average performance across multiple categories. This population-scaled perspective underscores the relative safety of the area, even as specific crime types like burglary show month-on-month fluctuations. The contrast between Lewes and national averages suggests that local factors, such as community engagement or policing strategies, may play a role in shaping these outcomes.