Lewes Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Lewes’ crime rate for January 2025 stood at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, a figure 36.6% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This places the area among the safer local authority districts in England, though the data reveals a combination of factors influencing crime patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.6% of all crimes reported, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.7%) and criminal damage and arson (9.4%). These figures align with the area’s character as a historic market town with a mix of urban and rural environments, where public spaces and community hubs often drive anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by shorter days and reduced retail activity—likely contributes to the lower rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime, which fell by 57.4% and 51% respectively compared to UK averages. However, the rise in public order offences and the doubling of robbery cases suggests heightened vulnerability in certain pockets of the town. While the overall crime rate remains significantly below national levels, the localised increases in personal crime and public disorder highlight the need for targeted awareness, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic and during times of reduced visibility.

January 2025 saw a sharp rise in robbery, with one incident reported—a 100% increase from December. Similarly, theft from the person doubled, moving from one to two cases. These jumps, though small in absolute numbers, signal a potential shift in criminal activity patterns during the post-holiday period. Public order offences also rose by 12.5%, from 32 to 36, a trend consistent with the season’s shorter days and reduced public engagement in outdoor spaces. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 57.4% (from 54 to 23), likely reflecting lower retail footfall and the post-Christmas lull. While Lewes’ overall rate for violence and sexual offences (1.8 per 1,000) remains 28% below the UK average, the increase in robbery and theft from the person warrants attention. Residents should remain cautious in high-traffic areas and ensure personal belongings are secured, particularly in public spaces.

Lewes recorded a crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents in January 2025, a 17.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, as January’s shorter days and reduced retail footfall often correlate with lower crime rates in similar areas. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 224 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. On a daily basis, Lewes experienced approximately 15 crimes per day, a rate consistent with the area’s historical trends. While the overall crime rate remains below the UK average, the specific increases in certain categories—such as robbery and public order offences—highlight areas requiring continued vigilance. This contrast between the overall decline and the rise in targeted offences underscores the need for tailored community awareness, particularly around incidents involving personal property and public spaces.