Lewes Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Lewes' crime profile in November 2023 reveals a stark divergence from the UK average, with the local authority district recording a rate of 5.3 crimes per 1,000 residents—29.3% below the national figure of 7.5. This marked underperformance relative to the UK highlights the area’s unique characteristics, including its historic market town identity and surrounding rural landscape, which may contribute to lower levels of property crime and higher community cohesion. The most prevalent category of crime was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.7% of all incidents, a rate of 1.7 per 1,000 that is 34% below the UK average. This suggests that while violent crime remains a concern, its frequency is significantly curtailed compared to other parts of the country. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, representing 15.6% of all crimes, a figure consistent with the social dynamics of a small urban centre where community engagement and local policing may play a role in mitigating such incidents. Seasonal factors, including the dark evenings of November and the retail activity surrounding Black Friday, likely influenced patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, though these were 6% and 19% below UK averages respectively. The relatively low rate of criminal damage and arson (0.6 per 1,000) further underscores the area’s distinctiveness, with its rural character reducing opportunities for such offences compared to more densely populated regions. Overall, the data illustrates a combination of local geography, community structure, and seasonal rhythms, all of which may contribute to Lewes’ consistently lower crime rates.

November 2023 saw a significant 77.8% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from nine to 16 incidents. This sharp rise contrasts with a 50% decrease in robbery cases, which fell from four to two, and an 85.7% drop in bicycle theft, declining from seven to one. The crime mix shifted with violent crimes decreasing by 25.1% compared to October, while anti-social behaviour remained a persistent concern. The rate of 'Other crime'—a category encompassing unclassified offences—was 54% higher than the UK average, a figure that may reflect underreporting or the inclusion of niche incidents. For residents, the steep decline in bicycle theft, a category typically linked to student populations or commuter activity, offers a tangible reassurance of improved safety in this area.

Lewes' November 2023 crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents marked a 12.7% decline from the previous month’s 6.0 per 1,000, reflecting a consistent trend of lower crime levels in recent months. Over the 30 days, the area experienced an average of 18 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure as one reported crime for every 190 residents. This monthly aggregate suggests a relatively low frequency of incidents compared to broader UK statistics, though it does not account for daily fluctuations. The population context further underscores the scale: with 102,363 residents, the 539 total crimes recorded represent a manageable proportion of the community’s size. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the shift in crime types—such as the rise in drug-related offences and the fall in bicycle theft—highlights evolving patterns that may warrant closer attention from local authorities and residents alike.