Seaford Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In June 2023, Seaford's crime profile shifted toward violence and anti-social behaviour, marking a notable departure from earlier months when property crime dominated. With 29 violent crimes recorded—compared to 21 property crimes—this imbalance suggests a seasonal shift influenced by the area's coastal character. As summer begins and tourism ramps up, the town's public spaces likely see increased foot traffic, which may partly explain the 31.2% share of violent crimes in the total monthly tally. This contrasts sharply with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences account for 59% of the national rate, compared to Seaford's 31.2%. The area's overall crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents remains 54.1% below the UK average of 8.5, a gap consistent with Seaford's status as a relatively low-risk built-up area within Lewes. Anti-social behaviour, at 30.1% of total crimes, further reflects the social dynamics of a commuter town with a mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. Seasonal factors appear to influence the crime mix: longer daylight hours and the start of the tourist season may contribute to increased public interactions. The absence of major violent incidents in previous months suggests this June's figures may reflect temporary spikes rather than a structural change in crime patterns.

June 2023 saw a 100% increase in possession of weapons offences, rising from zero to three incidents—a sharp contrast to the previous month's total of zero. This spike, while small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened tensions during summer social gatherings or targeted enforcement efforts. Meanwhile, public order offences decreased by 25% (12 to 9), possibly due to the early stages of the tourist season bringing more visible policing. The property crime category, which had previously dominated monthly statistics, fell to 21 incidents—still a 12.5% share of total crimes—though this remains significantly below the UK average for shoplifting (81% below) and vehicle crime (79% below). Anti-social behaviour, at 30.1% of total crimes, remained the second-largest category, a figure 19% below the UK average. Violent crimes accounted for 31.2% of the total, a proportion 59% below the UK average for this category. Residents may find the 0.1 per 1,000 rate for possession of weapons particularly noteworthy, as it represents a 25% increase over the UK average for this category. These shifts highlight a combination of seasonal factors and local policing priorities.

June's crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents remained stable compared to the previous month, mirroring the consistent trend observed in Seaford's built-up area. This stability contrasts with national patterns, where the UK average crime rate typically fluctuates more sharply across months. Locally, the daily crime count of approximately three incidents per day—equivalent to 1-in-257 residents over the month—provides a tangible measure of risk for residents. When contextualised against the area's population of 23,857, this figure underscores Seaford's position as a relatively safe community, with crime rates that are 54.1% below the UK average. The monthly exposure metric, while low, remains relevant for residents: over the course of June, each resident faced a 0.039% chance of being directly involved in a crime. This figure is particularly significant when compared to the UK's 0.85% average, highlighting the effectiveness of local policing strategies in a commuter town with limited industrial activity. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Seaford's low burglary rate (1.1% of total crimes) and drug-related incidents (1.1%)—both 100% below UK averages—reflect the area's demographic profile as a mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors rather than a high-density urban centre.