Seaford Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Seaford's August 2023 crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents marked a significant 38.3% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This performance, while modest in absolute terms, highlights the area's distinct crime profile shaped by its coastal location and compact built-up nature. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category (45 incidents, 38.1% of total).9 per 1,000 was 28% below the UK average—a gap likely influenced by Seaford's relatively low population density and strong community cohesion. Public order offences, however, surged to 21 incidents (17.8% of total), reflecting the challenges of managing seasonal tourism and summer crowds in a small, high-traffic area. Anti-social behaviour (19 incidents) and other theft (9 incidents) both fell sharply below UK averages, with the latter category (0.4 per 1,000) showing a 37% deficit. This suggests that Seaford's residents may benefit from effective local policing strategies, though the seasonal context of August—peak holiday month and increased empty homes—likely contributed to the 133.3% rise in burglary. The overall balance between property and violent crime in Seaford (property: 31, violent: 45) contrasts with many UK areas, where property crime often dominates. This pattern may stem from Seaford's role as a commuter town and its proximity to Lewes, where violent crime is more concentrated. August's warm weather and extended evenings may also have amplified public order issues, as seen in the 162.5% increase in such offences. While a direct link between these trends and specific interventions, the consistent performance below the UK average for most categories indicates that Seaford's crime picture is shaped by both its geography and the community's resilience.

August 2023 saw a sharp 162.5% increase in public order offences, rising from eight to 21 incidents. This surge, while concerning, may be linked to the area's summer tourism season, which brings higher foot traffic and potential friction in public spaces. Conversely, other theft offences dropped by 55% (from 20 to 9), likely due to increased police patrols during the busy holiday period. Violent crime, though still the most common category (45 incidents), remained 28% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also fell 44% below the UK rate, a trend consistent with Seaford's relatively tight-knit community structure. Burglary increased by 133.3% (from three to seven incidents), possibly exacerbated by August's peak holiday season, when homes are more likely to be unoccupied. Residents may find the 67% drop in shoplifting—now at 0.2 per 1,000—particularly reassuring, as this category was 100% below the UK average for drugs, other crime, and bicycle theft.

Seaford's overall crime rate in August 2023 stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a 5.5% decrease from the previous month's 5.2 per 1,000. This slight downward trend suggests sustained efforts in community policing or seasonal factors influencing crime patterns. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of four reported incidents per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's ongoing vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 202 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Seaford well below the UK average. With a population of 23,857, this means the community experiences crime at a significantly lower frequency than the national average. The local context—Seaford's compact built-up area and proximity to Lewes—likely contributes to this lower exposure, as smaller, more cohesive communities often see better crime prevention through neighbourly engagement and local initiatives.