Peacehaven Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 marked an unexpected surge in vehicle crime in Peacehaven, a built-up area within Lewes, with a 400% increase from November. This anomaly, rising from one to five incidents, contrasts sharply with the area’s overall 15.3% below the UK average crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 44.7% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.0%) and public order offences (10.6%). The seasonal context of December — marked by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and empty homes — may have influenced these patterns, though the sharp rise in vehicle crime defies typical expectations for this time of year. The UK average for violence and sexual offences was 2.6 per 1,000, slightly lower than Peacehaven’s 2.7, suggesting the area’s violent crime rate is marginally higher than the national benchmark. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 50% compared to November, a decline that could reflect heightened police presence or seasonal retail activity. The data illustrates a mixed picture: while Peacehaven remains safer than the UK average overall, certain categories, such as public order offences, are significantly above national levels. This discrepancy may be linked to the area’s specific characteristics, such as its proximity to coastal tourism routes or the density of local amenities that attract transient populations. The interplay between seasonal factors and local demographics, such as the presence of retail hubs or community events, likely contributes to these patterns.

December 2023 saw a 400% surge in vehicle crime, rising from one to five incidents — the most dramatic month-on-month increase in the area. This jump, though small in absolute terms, may partly explain the overall 32.5% rise in the crime rate compared to November. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 28.6%, dropping from 21 to 15 incidents, a shift that contrasts with the sharp rise in vehicle crime. Peacehaven’s rate for public order offences was 46% above the UK average, while shoplifting fell by 50% from two to one incident — the most significant decline in that category. The area’s violent crime rate, at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, was 3% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge in this category. These shifts suggest a combination of local factors, from seasonal events to targeted policing efforts.

Peacehaven's crime rate in December 2023 rose 32.5% compared to November 2023, climbing from 4.6 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This increase. below the UK average, reflects shifting patterns in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three reported crimes per day in December — a figure that, while modest, underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in a relatively small population. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 164 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Peacehaven in the context of a built-up area with limited population density. This rate contrasts with the previous month’s lower exposure, suggesting seasonal or situational factors may have influenced reporting patterns. The population context further highlights that, despite the increase, Peacehaven remains significantly safer than the UK average, with crime rates continuing to fall below national benchmarks for most categories.