Newhaven Crime Rate

Newhaven is a busy port town with an overall crime rate of 116.4 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 93.1. Despite its active urban and industrial environment, the town maintains a safety score of 73/100, and recent data shows a positive trend with crime decreasing by 6.3% year-over-year. The property crime rate in Newhaven is 34.6 per 1,000, which is slightly above the UK average of 32.9. This suggests that while the town experiences more incidents than some of its quieter neighbours, the risk of property-related crime is broadly in line with national urban trends. The following breakdown provides deeper insights into the specific types and timing of crime within Newhaven.

Newhaven Crime Breakdown

In Newhaven, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 36.3% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also significant at 18.2%, followed by shoplifting at 9.6%. As a busy port town with a mix of residential and industrial areas, these figures reflect the diverse challenges faced by local law enforcement.

Property crime in Newhaven occurs at a rate of 34.6 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the UK national average of 32.9. This category includes burglary, shoplifting, and vehicle crime. Within this, shoplifting is the most prevalent at 9.6%, while criminal damage and arson account for 8.3%. Burglary makes up 2.0% of total reports. For homeowners and business owners, this indicates that while the overall crime rate is high, the focus of property crime is on retail and vehicle-related offences, making robust security for homes and parked cars essential.

Newhaven Crime Trends

The crime trend in Newhaven is currently decreasing, with a 6.3% reduction in total reported incidents year-over-year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked in July 2025 at 12.1 per 1,000 residents and saw another high in August at 11.9. However, the overall trajectory has been downward, with the rate falling to 10.0 in October 2025.

This downward trend is a positive indicator for the town's safety and suggests that local policing and community initiatives are proving effective. While the town experiences typical urban fluctuations, the annual decrease of 6.3% provides reassurance that Newhaven is becoming a safer environment for its residents and business owners.

How To Keep Safe in Newhaven

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Newhaven, accounting for 36.3% of reports. While the town is generally safe, residents can enhance their security with these localized tips:

1. When navigating the town centre or port areas, particularly after dark, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, populated routes.
2. Be mindful in high-footfall areas where anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are more common. If you witness a disturbance, report it to the authorities rather than intervening.
3. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit and that all windows and doors are securely locked, especially during the afternoon and night-time when burglary risk is slightly higher.
4. If you own a vehicle, ensure no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime—though moderate—is most likely to occur overnight.
5. Join the local Newhaven Neighbourhood Watch to stay informed about any specific crime trends or safety alerts in your immediate area.

Newhaven Crime Time Patterns

Crime in Newhaven follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, making up 42% of reports. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft accounts for 46% of crimes, likely driven by activity in the town's retail and commercial sectors.

In the evening (6pm-12am), there is a significant shift, with 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—accounting for 60% of the total. Night-time (12am-6am) sees the highest relative risk for vehicle crime (34%) and burglary (14%). For residents, this indicates that while daytime vigilance is needed in shopping areas, residential security for homes and vehicles is most critical during the late evening and overnight hours.

In comparison to its immediate neighbours, Newhaven presents a much more active urban and industrial safety profile. Nearby Peacehaven has a lower crime rate of 74.8 per 1,000, while Seaford (49.7) and Telscombe Cliffs (51.6) report significantly lower figures. The differences in these rates reflect Newhaven’s status as a commercial port and industrial hub, which naturally attracts higher footfall and economic activity compared to the more residential focus of the surrounding coastal towns.

Proactive Protection in Newhaven

With a property crime rate of 34.6 per 1,000, Newhaven residents and business owners face a level of risk that is typical for a busy port and urban centre. The significant presence of shoplifting (9.6%) and criminal damage (8.3%) in local data highlights the need for effective security. The main drawback of traditional security systems, such as doorbell cameras or basic CCTV, is their reactive nature—they often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed.

For those seeking true peace of mind in Newhaven, proactive protection is the answer. The scOS AI-powered home security system uses multi-camera intelligence to detect potential threats at your property boundary before they can escalate. By identifying suspicious patterns and verifying vehicles, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like lighting or audio alerts to deter intruders within 60 seconds. This proactive approach ensures that your property is not just another statistic. In a busy urban setting where burglars look for easy targets, scOS makes it clear that your home or business is professionally protected, effectively preventing crime before it starts.