North Chailey Crime Rate

Crime statistics for North Chailey, based on data from January 2025 to December 2025, indicate a crime rate of 42.1 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. However, the area has experienced an increase in crime, rising by a significant 39.3% year-on-year. While the safety score stands at a respectable 90 out of 100, the upward trend necessitates vigilance and proactive measures to ensure continued safety for residents. The data highlights the importance of understanding specific crime types and patterns within the community.

The crime landscape in North Chailey is characterized by a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.5% of reported incidents. Criminal damage and arson represent another significant concern, comprising 24.4% of recorded crimes. Anti-social behaviour contributes a further 9.0%, demonstrating a need for community engagement and preventative measures. While theft, including ‘other theft’ and burglary, remains a factor, it represents a smaller proportion of overall crime, with burglary only accounting for 5.1% of incidents. The presence of vehicle crime and drug-related offences, albeit at lower rates, highlights the complexity of the area's safety profile. Understanding these patterns is crucial for targeted interventions and community safety initiatives.

The concerning trend of increasing crime in North Chailey is reflected in the monthly data. While January 2025 saw a relatively low rate of 4.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, this figure steadily increased throughout the spring and summer months, peaking at 5.4 per 1,000 in May and August 2025. A significant dip occurred in September (2.2 per 1,000) and October (1.6 per 1,000), but a rebound was observed in November (3.2 per 1,000) before a final low of 1.1 per 1,000 in December. This 39.3% year-on-year increase underscores the need for focused interventions and community engagement to address the root causes of crime and ensure the safety of residents.

How To Keep Safe in North Chailey

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid walking in poorly lit areas and consider travelling in groups. Due to the incidence of criminal damage and arson, secure your property effectively, ensuring fences are in good repair and valuables are out of sight. Be mindful of anti-social behaviour by reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. Finally, secure your vehicles to prevent theft and damage – consider a steering wheel lock or alarm system.

The pattern of crime in North Chailey varies throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most common during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), with 14% of burglaries occurring during this period. Vehicle crime sees a higher incidence overnight (12am-6am), accounting for 16% of incidents. The evening hours (6pm-12am) are associated with a greater proportion of theft and other crimes. While violent crimes are less frequent overall, they tend to be concentrated during the evening hours.

When compared to surrounding areas, North Chailey’s crime rate presents a mixed picture. Newick and Scayne's Hill exhibit slightly lower rates, while South Chailey experiences a higher rate of 53.6 per 1,000. Wivelsfield Green demonstrates a remarkably low crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, highlighting the variability in safety across the region. Understanding these comparative rates can offer valuable context for residents and inform local safety strategies.

Traditional CCTV systems often simply record footage after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics, like those for North Chailey, is one thing. Actually preventing threats at your property line is another. Consider a proactive security system like scOS, which utilizes AI to detect potential threats at the property boundary – before a break-in even begins. scOS’s multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle plates with the DVLA and recognizing familiar faces. This prevents false alarms and delivers true peace of mind. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; scOS’s visible deterrence can be enough to make them move on, preventing the crime altogether. While DIY systems have their place, a professional-grade system like scOS offers a level of protection that reactive measures simply can’t match.