Lewes Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Lewes’ crime rate in May 2024 stood at 6.4 per 1,000, placing the area 23.8% below the UK average. This continued safety trend, however, masks a 10% month-on-month increase in overall crime, driven by a sharp rise in certain categories. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 32.9% of all incidents—slightly below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common offence, fell by 6.1% compared to April, a shift that may be linked to the timing of bank holidays and the closure of schools, which typically reduces social gatherings in public spaces. Meanwhile, shoplifting rose 9% above the UK average, consistent with the presence of retail centres and high streets in Lewes. The seasonal context of May—longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to the rise in public order offences, which were 11% above the UK average. Despite these fluctuations, the area’s overall crime rate remains significantly lower than the national average, reflecting a combination of community engagement, effective policing, and the town’s character as a historically low-crime market town. The relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime further support this, with both categories falling below UK averages by 35% and 57%, respectively.

May 2024 saw a 10% increase in Lewes’ overall crime rate compared to April. below the UK average. The most striking change was a 300% rise in robbery cases, with four incidents reported—up from one in the previous month. This jump, while significant, remains a rare occurrence, as robbery accounted for just 0.6% of total crimes. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 6.1%, a decrease that may reflect the impact of local initiatives or seasonal factors such as the closure of schools during May holidays. Shoplifting, which rose 9% above the UK average, remained a persistent issue, with 73 incidents recorded. This contrasts with a 48% drop in other theft, suggesting a shift in criminal focus towards retail areas. The increase in possession of weapons—up 200% to 12 incidents—highlights a concern for public safety, though the category remains below the UK average. These fluctuations underscore the combination of local dynamics and broader trends.

Lewes' crime rate in May 2024 rose to 6.4 per 1,000, marking a 10.0% increase from the previous month’s rate of 5.8. This upward shift, though modest, contrasts with the area’s continued position as one of the UK’s safer places, remaining 23.8% below the national average. On a daily basis, 21 crimes were reported in May, reflecting a local rhythm of activity that aligns with Lewes’ character as a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial hubs. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 157 residents, a figure that, while slightly higher than April, remains well below the UK’s typical monthly exposure rates. This suggests that while the pace of crime has quickened, the overall risk to residents remains relatively low compared to other areas. The population context further illustrates that, despite the increase, Lewes’ crime profile is shaped by its smaller size and lower population density, which may contribute to the lower overall rates compared to larger urban centres.