Peacehaven Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Peacehaven’s crime rate in February 2024 stood at 3.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 53.5% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights Peacehaven’s position as one of the safer built-up areas within Lewes, a coastal town where seasonal patterns and community dynamics likely contribute to its lower crime levels. The most significant crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 51% of all reported incidents—26 cases in total. This figure, though higher than other categories, remains 32% below the UK average for the same category. The next most common offences were criminal damage and arson (13.7%), public order issues (11.8%), and anti-social behaviour (11.8%). These latter two categories were particularly notable, with public order offences 18% below the UK average and anti-social behaviour a striking 62% below. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—may partly explain the lower prevalence of property crimes, which accounted for only 21.6% of all incidents (11 cases). This aligns with patterns seen in coastal areas where tourism and retail activity, which often drive shoplifting and vehicle crime, are typically lower in winter. However, the area’s relatively high rate of violent offences compared to property crimes suggests that local factors such as social cohesion, policing presence, or the characteristics of the built-up area itself may play a role. While the overall crime rate remains stable, the composition of offences reflects a unique balance between community safety and the challenges of managing a small urban environment.

February 2024 saw a striking 250% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 2 to 7 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, raises questions about local triggers such as seasonal maintenance activity or targeted vandalism. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose by 100%, with one reported incident—though this remains significantly below the UK average. Conversely, public order offences fell by 25%, likely reflecting the quieter nature of a winter month and reduced outdoor gatherings. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, saw a modest 13% increase but remain 32% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. This balance between local fluctuations and national context illustrates Peacehaven’s unique crime profile. For residents, the data highlights that while certain categories are rising, the area continues to outperform the UK in key areas, particularly anti-social behaviour and theft-related crimes, which were 62% and 82% below national averages respectively.

Peacehaven’s crime rate in February 2024 remained slightly lower than the previous month’s figure of 3.4 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a -3.8% decrease. This consistency suggests that local policing efforts and community initiatives may be maintaining stability, though the small shift underscores the need for continued vigilance. On a daily basis, Peacehaven recorded approximately 2 crimes per day in February, a figure that aligns with the area’s generally low crime profile compared to national averages. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 303 residents, illustrating a relatively low level of exposure for Peacehaven’s population of 15,459. This monthly exposure rate is particularly notable when compared to the UK average, where residents face a significantly higher risk. The population context further emphasizes that even with the 51 recorded crimes, Peacehaven’s crime rate remains well below the national benchmark, reinforcing its position as a safer area within the UK. These statistics offer residents a clear perspective on their local safety relative to both the immediate past and the broader national picture.