Lewes Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Lewes' overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.1% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local conditions and seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.8% of all reported crimes, with 216 incidents recorded. This category's rate of 2.1 per 1,000 is 16% below the UK average, a contrast to anti-social behaviour, which at 100 cases (18.4% of total) exceeded the UK average by 8%. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter days—likely contributes to the lower overall crime rate compared to busier months. However, the prominence of violent crime suggests ongoing challenges in certain areas, such as public spaces or late-night venues. Anti-social behaviour's increase may be tied to colder weather driving more indoor gatherings, while the relatively low rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime align with the reduced retail activity and fewer outdoor opportunities typical of January. These patterns underscore the importance of tailoring local safety initiatives to both seasonal and persistent trends, ensuring that efforts address the most pressing concerns while maintaining the area's overall safety profile.

January 2026 marked a sharp rise in possession of weapons, with incidents surging by 200% from 2 to 6 cases. This spike, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in local dynamics. Concurrently, burglary increased by 64.7%, rising from 17 to 28 incidents, a notable jump that may reflect seasonal factors or changes in targeted areas. Bicycle theft also climbed by 50%, from 4 to 6 cases, a trend that could be linked to winter conditions affecting visibility or storage practices. Conversely, other theft plummeted by 50%, from 24 to 12, suggesting improved security measures or reduced opportunities. The breakdown reveals a mixed picture: violence and sexual offences, at 216 cases (39.8% of total), remain the most common category, but their rate of 2.1 per 1,000 is 16% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, however, exceeded the UK average by 8%, with 100 incidents reported. These shifts highlight areas where local efforts may be effective, and others where increased awareness is needed.

Lewes' crime rate in January 2026 rose by 7.5% compared to December 2025, moving from 4.9 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is modest, it highlights a shift in local patterns against a backdrop of generally lower crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 18 crimes each day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 189 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents: over the 31 days, the likelihood of encountering a crime is relatively low compared to the UK average, though the upward trend suggests vigilance is warranted. The population context further underscores that Lewes' crime profile remains significantly below the national average, with 22.1% fewer crimes per 1,000 people than the UK overall. However, the rise in specific categories such as burglary and weapon possession indicates areas requiring closer attention. These figures, while not alarmingly high, serve as a reminder that local conditions can influence crime dynamics even in areas with generally strong safety records.