Rural Lewes Crime Rate

Rural Lewes is an exceptionally safe area with an overall crime rate of 45.2 per 1,000 people—less than half the UK national average of 93.1. The area holds a high safety score of 89/100, reflecting its status as a peaceful and secure residential environment. While recent data shows that crime has increased by 12.7% year-over-year, the actual volume of incidents remains very low. Property crime is particularly rare, with a rate of only 9.7 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.9. This high level of security makes Rural Lewes a highly desirable location for those seeking a quiet and secure life away from urban centres. The following analysis explores specific crime types and timing patterns in the area.

Rural Lewes Crime Breakdown

Analysis of the crime statistics for Rural Lewes shows that violence and sexual offences are the most frequent reports, making up 46.0% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 16.7%, followed by public order offences at 7.6%. These figures are characteristic of a rural area where personal safety and community conduct are the primary focus of recorded incidents.

Property crime in Rural Lewes is exceptionally low, with a rate of 9.7 per 1,000 residents. This is less than a third of the UK national average of 32.9. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. Burglary itself accounts for only 2.9% of total crime, while vehicle crime is at 3.3%. For residents, this indicates a very secure environment where property-related theft is rare. However, the high percentage of violence and sexual offences, though low in total count, suggests that personal safety awareness remains important even in the most peaceful settings.

Rural Lewes Crime Trends

The crime trend in Rural Lewes is currently increasing, with a 12.7% rise in total reported incidents year-over-year. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked in December 2024 at 5.2 per 1,000 residents and saw another high in May at 4.6. However, the rate has generally declined since the spring, falling to 3.3 in October 2025.

While the overall annual increase of 12.7% is a notable change, the actual volume of crime in Rural Lewes remains very low. This upward trend highlights the importance of staying aware of local safety patterns, but the area continues to be one of the most secure parts of the district. For residents, this provides reassurance that despite minor fluctuations, Rural Lewes remains a very safe environment.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Lewes

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural Lewes, accounting for 46.0% of total reports. While the area is exceptionally safe, residents can enhance their security with these localized tips:

1. When walking or cycling through more isolated rural areas, especially after dark, stay aware of your surroundings and consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend.
2. Ensure your home and any outbuildings are well-secured, particularly during the afternoon and night-time when burglary risk—though very low—is at its highest relative percentage.
3. Be mindful of suspicious vehicles or activity in your neighbourhood and report anything unusual to the local police.
4. If you own a vehicle, ensure it is securely locked and that no valuables or tools are left inside, as vehicle crime is most likely to occur overnight.
5. Join the local Rural Lewes Neighbourhood Watch or a farm watch scheme to stay informed about any specific crime trends or safety alerts in your community.

Rural Lewes Crime Time Patterns

Crime in Rural Lewes follows a distinct daily cycle. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, making up 46% of reports. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft accounts for 49% of crimes, often involving opportunistic theft in residential or rural settings.

In the evening (6pm-12am), there is a significant shift, with 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—accounting for 51% of the total. Night-time (12am-6am) sees the highest relative risk for vehicle crime (38%) and burglary (19%). For residents, this indicates that while daytime vigilance is needed for property security, residential and vehicle protection is most critical during the late evening and overnight hours, especially for more isolated properties.

In the context of the Lewes district, Rural Lewes provides a much more secure safety profile than the nearby urban centres. While Lewes town (104.8) and Newhaven (116.4) experience the typical challenges of busier settlements, Rural Lewes maintains a crime rate of just 45.2. This makes it a safer alternative for those who prioritise security and a peaceful environment. The area's low crime rate is consistent with other rural parts of East Sussex, offering a stark contrast to the higher incident volumes found in the region's larger towns and cities.

Proactive Protection for Rural Lewes Homes

Rural Lewes's property crime rate of 9.7 per 1,000 is exceptionally low, but the recent 12.7% increase in overall crime suggests that even the most peaceful areas are not immune to changing trends. In a rural setting, properties can often be more isolated, making them potential targets for opportunistic crime. Traditional security measures, like doorbell cameras or basic CCTV, are reactive—they only provide footage after an incident has occurred.

The scOS AI-powered home security system offers a proactive solution that is particularly effective for rural properties. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's perimeter and identifies potential threats before they reach your home. Its AI can distinguish between local wildlife and a genuine intruder, and its autonomous response—such as activating lights or audio—can deter an intruder within 60 seconds. For Rural Lewes residents, this means moving beyond just having 'footage of a burglary' to actually preventing it. Professional-grade AI protection ensures that your home remains a hardened target, providing true peace of mind in any setting.