North Chailey Crime Rate

North Chailey Crime Statistics

North Chailey is a secure Sussex village with a safety score of 89/100. The area's overall crime rate is 44.2 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1. However, North Chailey has experienced a sharp increasing trend in reported crime, with a 51.9% rise year-over-year. This significant percentage increase suggests a shift in the local environment that residents should be aware of. While the village remains much safer than most UK urban areas, the growth in categories like criminal damage and violence is notable. This report provides a detailed breakdown of North Chailey's crime types, monthly trends, and safety patterns to help the community stay informed and protected.

Crime in North Chailey

Crime in North Chailey is primarily concentrated in violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson, and anti-social behaviour. Violence and sexual offences make up the largest share of reports at 40.2%. Criminal damage and arson is also notably high, accounting for 21.9% of all reported crime, while anti-social behaviour represents 12.2%.

The combined property crime rate in North Chailey is 16.7 per 1,000 people. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage. While this is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, the high proportion of criminal damage and the presence of burglary (6.1% of total crime) are key considerations for local homeowners. The data shows that burglary risk is most concentrated during the night-time hours, where it accounts for 23% of all offences. For residents, the statistics suggest that while North Chailey is generally safe, there is a specific need to protect property against vandalism and overnight theft. The sharp increase in the overall crime trend also suggests that residents should be more proactive about security than in previous years.

North Chailey Crime Trends

North Chailey has seen a significant upward trend in crime over the last year, with a 51.9% increase in total reported offences. This is one of the highest percentage rises in the region. Monthly trendData shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated but remained consistently higher than in previous years. The year began with rates of 3.2 in November and December 2024, rising to a peak of 5.4 in both May and August 2025.

Following the August peak, there was a noticeable decline in activity, with the crime rate dropping to 2.2 in September and 1.6 in October 2025. This suggests that while the annual trend is steeply increasing, the most recent months have seen a welcome reduction in reports. Residents should remain vigilant, as the overall annual growth indicates a more active crime environment than in the past, despite the recent autumn dip.

How To Keep Safe in North Chailey

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in North Chailey, accounting for 40.2% of all reports. Personal safety and property protection are both important in this changing environment.

1. Secure Your Perimeter: With criminal damage and arson accounting for 21.9% of crime, ensure your property's boundaries are well-defined and secure. Use motion-activated lighting to deter vandals.
2. Night-time Vigilance: Burglary accounts for 23% of night-time crime. Double-check all locks on doors, windows, and outbuildings before bed.
3. Vehicle Security: Vehicle crime increases to 15% of offences overnight. If you don't have a garage, park in a well-lit area and ensure no valuables are left inside.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: Given the sharp increase in local crime, reporting unusual behaviour to the police is vital for community safety.
5. Join Community Watch: Participate in local safety groups to stay informed about recent incidents and trends in the North Chailey area. Collaborative awareness is a powerful deterrent.

Crime Timing in North Chailey

Crime in North Chailey follows a distinct temporal pattern, with theft-related incidents dominating the day and property crime becoming more prominent at night. During the morning and afternoon, theft accounts for 32% and 34% of reported crimes respectively, suggesting that opportunistic offences are most common when the village is active.

As the day transitions into the evening and night, the risk to homes and vehicles increases. Between 12am and 6am, burglary accounts for 23% of all recorded offences, and vehicle crime rises to 15%. This night-time spike in property-related crime highlights the importance of overnight security. Interestingly, burglary is also a significant factor in the afternoon (21%), suggesting that unoccupied homes are targeted during daylight hours as well. For residents, the data indicates that property security should be a constant priority, with a particular focus on the quiet overnight hours when burglary and vehicle crime are most concentrated.

Local Context and Comparisons

In the local context of the Lewes local authority, North Chailey sits in the middle of the safety spectrum. Its crime rate of 44.2 per 1,000 people is lower than that of South Chailey (49.9) and Broyle Side (49.2). However, it is notably higher than Newick (23.0) and Scayne's Hill (30.1). Nearby Wivelsfield Green reported no crimes at all, highlighting that North Chailey is one of the more active settlements in its immediate vicinity. Despite the recent 51.9% increase in crime, it maintains a safety score well above the UK average of 78, making it a relatively secure choice for residents compared to the wider national landscape.

Proactive Security in North Chailey

The 51.9% increase in crime in North Chailey, combined with a high proportion of criminal damage (21.9%), suggests that homeowners should consider more robust security measures. Traditional CCTV cameras are often reactive—they provide a recording of an event after it has happened, which is of little comfort when your property has been vandalised or broken into. In a village experiencing a rising crime trend, preventing the incident is far more valuable than recording it.

The scOS security operating system uses AI to provide proactive protection. It monitors your property boundaries in real-time, distinguishing between normal activity and potential threats. If an intruder or vandal approaches, scOS can respond autonomously with deterrents like lighting and audio warnings. This is particularly effective for North Chailey, where criminal damage is a significant issue. By stopping a threat at the property line, scOS prevents the damage and distress that traditional systems simply document. For North Chailey residents, moving to a proactive AI system like scOS is the most effective way to ensure their home remains secure against the area's shifting crime patterns.