Newhaven’s February 2024 crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents places it 32.4% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, underscoring a significant divergence from national trends. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (31.3% of total incidents) and shoplifting (30.6%), both of which exceed UK averages by substantial margins. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.9 per 1,000, are 16% above the UK rate, while shoplifting, at 2.9 per 1,000, is 437% higher than the national average. These figures may be partly explained by Newhaven’s status as a built-up area within Lewes, where a mix of residential and commercial activity could contribute to higher rates of violent crime and retail-related theft. Seasonal factors also appear relevant: February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, may have seen reduced opportunities for certain crimes but not others. For instance, shoplifting’s spike could be linked to indoor retail environments, while the relatively low burglary rate (0.8 per 1,000) suggests that property crimes are less prevalent in this area compared to the UK average. The data also reveals a combination of crime types, with anti-social behaviour and other theft showing marked declines, reflecting seasonal shifts or localized interventions. However, the persistent gap between Newhaven’s rates and the UK average highlights the need for targeted strategies to address the area’s unique challenges.