Lewes Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences in Lewes during November 2025 stood at 2.0 per 1,000 residents, 22% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This marked contrast to the national trend highlights a unique dynamic in the area, where violent crime remains consistently lower than expected for a local authority district. The overall crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents places Lewes 26.0% below the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000, a gap that has persisted for multiple reporting periods. While property crimes accounted for 30.3% of total incidents, violent crimes dominated the monthly tally with 36.3% of all reported offences, reflecting a balance between public safety and community-specific challenges. Seasonal factors may have influenced patterns: Bonfire Night events in late November could have contributed to a temporary spike in anti-social behaviour, though the category remained below the UK average. Black Friday shopping activity likely drove shoplifting incidents, which were 21% lower than the national rate, suggesting strong retail security measures or lower foot traffic compared to other areas. The low rate of burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) aligns with Lewes' character as a historic market town with limited high-density residential zones, where property crime is less prevalent than in larger urban centres. This combination of factors illustrates a community where violent crime is constrained, but where property-related issues remain a focal point for local policing efforts.

Month-on-month changes revealed a 100% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 1 to 2 incidents, a figure that may reflect seasonal patterns as November sees higher usage of bikes for commuting and leisure during darker evenings. Shoplifting saw a 27.5% increase, with 51 incidents reported, potentially linked to Black Friday promotions drawing more shoppers to local retailers. Conversely, robbery fell by 75%, dropping from 4 to 1 incident, which could indicate improved security measures or a shift in criminal activity patterns during the month. Public order offences decreased by 40.4%, from 57 to 34, influenced by the timing of Bonfire Night events, which may have been managed with greater police presence or community coordination. Theft from the person also fell by 40%, from 5 to 3 incidents, though this remains significantly below the UK average. Lewes' rate for violence and sexual offences remained 22% below the national average, a consistent trend that may be attributed to the town's smaller population and community-focused policing strategies. Anti-social behaviour, while 4% above the UK average, saw a modest decline compared to previous months, suggesting a potential stabilization in local tensions.

Lewes' crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents in November 2025 was nearly identical to the previous month's rate of 5.5 per 1,000, indicating a stable trend with a -0.7% change. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 18 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for roughly every 185 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in a population of 102,363, placing Lewes in a safer bracket compared to other areas with higher crime rates. When viewed in context, the town's crime profile is distinct from the UK average, with violent crime rates 22% lower and property crime rates consistently below national benchmarks. The low incidence of burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) further reinforces this pattern, suggesting that Lewes' geographic and demographic characteristics—such as its historic town centre layout and limited industrial activity—contribute to its lower crime rates. These figures provide residents with a clear benchmark for understanding the relative safety of their area, while also highlighting the need for continued vigilance in addressing specific categories like anti-social behaviour, which, although below the UK average, still requires targeted community engagement.