Seaford Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Seaford's crime rate in July 2024 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure 45.2% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This marked disparity highlights the area's unique position as a relatively low-crime built-up area within Lewes. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40% of all incidents, though this rate (1.8 per 1,000) was 37% below the UK average. The second most common crime was shoplifting, with 19 incidents reported—18% above the national average of 0.7 per 1,000. This anomaly may be attributed to Seaford's coastal retail presence and the influx of summer tourists, who could increase opportunities for theft. Anti-social behaviour, the third most common category, saw a significant drop, with 12 incidents reported compared to 25 in June, likely influenced by the summer break reducing youth activity in public spaces. Seasonal factors played a clear role, as July's peak tourism season, school holidays, and outdoor events created a dynamic environment where both commercial and personal safety required attention. The balance between violent and property crimes was unusual, with each category contributing 40% to the total, a reflection of the area's community structure and the interplay between local demographics and seasonal activity. The overall rate, while low, remains a point of contrast with larger urban centres, where property crimes typically dominate. This suggests that Seaford's crime profile is shaped by its character as a smaller, coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where community engagement and local policing may play a more direct role in maintaining safety. The relatively low burglary rate (0.1 per 1,000) further reinforces the area's comparative security, though the 200% increase in July highlights the need for continued vigilance. The data underscores the importance of understanding local patterns in the context of broader UK trends, as well as the specific seasonal and geographical factors that influence crime in Seaford.

July 2024 saw a 200% increase in burglary cases, rising from one to three incidents, a shift that may reflect heightened summer activity in residential areas or targeted opportunities during the peak tourist season. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 52%, dropping from 25 to 12 cases, potentially linked to the summer holidays reducing youth presence in public spaces. Shoplifting, the second most common crime type, remained 18% above the UK average at 0.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure that suggests ongoing challenges in retail crime management. The balance between violent and property crimes (each accounting for 40% of total incidents) contrasts with typical urban patterns, where property crimes often dominate. This parity may indicate that Seaford's community dynamics, such as its coastal location and seasonal tourism, influence both personal safety and commercial security. For residents, the sharp rise in burglary underscores the need for vigilance in securing homes during the summer months.

Seaford's crime rate in July 2024 (4.6 per 1,000 residents) marks an 8.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.0 per 1,000, reflecting a continuing trend of stability in local crime management. Daily crime statistics show an average of four reported incidents per day during the month, a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns, remains low compared to larger urban centres. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 217 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area's relative safety. With a population of 23,857, this context helps residents gauge the scale of risk in everyday life. The rate remains 45.2% below the UK average, a gap that aligns with Seaford's character as a smaller, more tightly knit community where local policing and community engagement may play a role in maintaining lower crime levels. The reduction in anti-social behaviour and public order offences further suggests that seasonal factors, such as the summer holidays and reduced foot traffic in certain areas, may have contributed to the downward trend.