Peacehaven Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Peacehaven—a built-up area within Lewes—recorded 71 crimes across a population of 15,459 residents, equating to a crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000. This figure is 38.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, placing the area in a relatively safe position nationally. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (27 incidents, 38% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (21 incidents, 29.6%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where public spaces and local amenities may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal incidents. The seasonal context of November—marked by darker evenings, the approach of Bonfire Night, and the start of Black Friday shopping—likely influenced the distribution of crime types. For example, the relatively low rate of shoplifting (2 incidents, 2.8%) compared to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 (82% below) may reflect lower foot traffic during the month or effective retail security measures. Conversely, anti-social behaviour’s 33% above the UK average suggests challenges in managing community interactions, exacerbated by seasonal stressors or local dynamics. While the overall crime rate remains low, the balance between violent and property crimes indicates a need for targeted strategies to address specific issues, such as public order, without compromising the area’s generally positive safety profile.

November saw a 100% increase in 'other theft' cases, rising from 2 to 4 incidents, a shift that may reflect seasonal shopping activity or changes in local behaviour. Simultaneously, 'drugs' offences doubled from zero to one, a figure that, while small, could indicate emerging patterns requiring further attention. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50%, dropping from 2 to 1, a decline consistent with reduced traffic during the holiday season or improved security measures. The breakdown of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences—accounting for 38% of all incidents—remain 31% below the UK average, suggesting a unique local dynamic that may be influenced by community initiatives or demographic factors. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 33% above the UK average, highlighting a specific challenge in maintaining public order. These shifts underscore the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing anti-social behaviour while capitalising on the reduction in vehicle-related crimes.

Peacehaven's crime rate in November 2023 rose by 2.9% compared to the previous month, moving from 4.5 to 4.6 per 1,000 residents. This small increase, however, remains well below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 218 residents, illustrating the relatively low frequency of incidents in a community of 15,459 people. When scaled to the population, this suggests that the likelihood of an individual encountering crime is significantly lower than the national average. The shift from October to November also aligns with seasonal patterns, such as darker evenings and the proximity of Bonfire Night, which may influence reported incidents. The population context further highlights that even with the slight upward trend, Peacehaven continues to perform better than the UK average in terms of crime prevention and community safety.