Seaford Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Seaford's crime rate in July 2023 stood at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000 — a 37.3% deficit. This figure places Seaford among the safer built-up areas in England, though the local profile reveals a distinct mix of crime types. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.4% of all reported crimes, with 43 incidents recorded — a rate of 1.8 per 1,000, 35% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 22.4% of the total, with 28 incidents reported, while other theft (20 cases) made up 16.0% of the total. These patterns align with Seaford's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential areas, retail hubs, and seasonal tourism activity. The summer months typically see increased foot traffic and events, which may contribute to higher anti-social behaviour reports. However, the overall low crime rate suggests strong community policing efforts or natural deterrents such as low population density in key areas. Violent crime rates, though still present, are lower than national averages, possibly reflecting the town's relatively small size and proximity to open spaces that may reduce confrontational incidents. The data also shows a stark contrast in property crime: shoplifting and burglary rates are 67% and 70% below UK averages respectively, which could indicate effective retail security measures or a lack of targeted opportunities for such crimes in Seaford. This combination of factors illustrates a town where crime is managed through a mix of environmental design, community engagement, and seasonal awareness.

July 2023 saw significant shifts in crime patterns compared to June, with three categories experiencing notable changes. Burglary increased by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents), shoplifting rose by 150% (from 2 to 5), and other theft surged by 122.2% (from 9 to 20). These increases may be linked to summer-related factors such as increased outdoor activity, festivals, or temporary changes in local business operations. Other theft — which includes vehicle-related crimes and unauthorised use of property — is 21% above the UK average (0.8 per 1,000 vs 0.7 per 1,000), suggesting a unique vulnerability in Seaford's crime profile. Conversely, public order offences decreased by 11.1% (from 9 to 8), which could reflect the success of local initiatives targeting anti-social behaviour during peak tourist months. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted slightly, with property crime making up 43.2% of the total (44 incidents) compared to 34.4% for violent crime (43 incidents). This suggests a seasonal trend where property-related issues may be more prominent during the summer. Residents might find the sharp rise in other theft particularly concerning, as it indicates a potential gap in local crime prevention strategies for this category. The overall rate of violent crime remains below UK averages, but the increase in property crime highlights the need for targeted interventions during the summer months.

The crime rate in Seaford for July 2023 (5.2 per 1,000) represents a 34.4% increase from the previous month's rate of 3.9 per 1,000. This monthly rise, while significant, still places Seaford well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 4 crimes per day in July — a figure that, while seemingly high, is contextualised by the local population of 23,857. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 191 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic provides a tangible sense of the scale of crime for local residents: in a town of nearly 24,000 people, the average resident had a 0.5% chance of being directly involved in a reported crime during July. The population-scaled perspective also highlights the relative safety of Seaford compared to larger urban areas, where crime rates are typically higher. The increase from June to July aligns with seasonal patterns, as the summer months often see higher crime rates due to increased tourism, festivals, and outdoor activity. However, the fact that Seaford's rate remains 37.3% below the UK average suggests that the town's overall environment, including factors like policing, community engagement, and urban design, continues to mitigate crime effectively despite these seasonal fluctuations.