Lewes Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2023, Lewes recorded a crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents, 25% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure positions the area as significantly safer than the national benchmark, though the distribution of crime types reveals a nuanced picture. Violent crimes dominated the landscape, accounting for 38% of all incidents, while property crimes formed 30% of the total. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which occurred at a rate of 2.3 per 1,000 residents—15% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed at 1.0 per 1,000, also well below the national figure of 1.3. The seasonal context of October, with darker evenings and the approach of Halloween, may contribute to certain trends. For example, the rise in shoplifting—now at 0.3 per 1,000—could be influenced by increased foot traffic or seasonal shopping patterns. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson saw an 18.5% increase, tied to the transition into colder weather. These patterns highlight the interplay between local conditions and crime dynamics, though further analysis is required to identify specific drivers. The overall balance between violent and property crimes suggests a need for tailored strategies, particularly in areas with high concentrations of anti-social behaviour or public order incidents. As the month progressed, the data illustrates a complex but manageable crime profile for Lewes, with opportunities for targeted interventions.

October 2023 saw a marked shift in crime patterns, with violent crimes accounting for 38% of all reported incidents—outpacing property crimes, which made up 30%. This imbalance may partly explain the focus on public safety measures in high-traffic areas. Among month-on-month changes, shoplifting surged by 88.9%, rising from 18 to 34 incidents, a figure that could align with pre-Halloween activity. Conversely, robbery fell by 60%, dropping from 10 to 4 cases, linked to increased foot patrols or seasonal deterrence factors. Possession of weapons rose by 200%, from 3 to 9 incidents, a sharp increase that may signal emerging concerns in specific neighbourhoods. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted interventions.

Lewes' crime rate in October 2023 rose slightly by 2.2% compared to September, from 5.9 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents. This small increase contrasts with the broader trend of remaining 25% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 20 reported crimes each day, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents in a localised timeframe. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 166 residents in Lewes faced a reported crime, a ratio that provides a tangible measure of monthly exposure. When considering the population of 102,363, this rate highlights the relatively low incidence of crime compared to national benchmarks, though the slight upward trend suggests ongoing monitoring is warranted. The local context—characterised by a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial areas—may influence the types and frequencies of crimes recorded.