Seaford Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Seaford's crime profile in May 2024, accounting for 46.3% of all reported crimes. This category alone saw 44 incidents, a rate of 1.8 per 1,000 residents—37% below the UK average for the same category. The area's overall crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents places it 52.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, a gap consistent with Seaford's character as a relatively low-density built-up area within Lewes. While property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime remain below UK averages, the prominence of violent offences suggests a combination of local factors. May's extended evenings and bank holidays likely contributed to increased socialising in public spaces, a pattern seen in similar coastal towns where alcohol-fuelled incidents often rise during warmer months. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.6 per 1,000 residents, was 59% below the UK average, reflecting Seaford's lower population density and potentially more community-oriented policing strategies. The area's crime profile contrasts with major urban centres where property crimes typically dominate, underscoring Seaford's unique demographic and geographic context as a commuter town with strong local ties.

May 2024 saw a 200% increase in 'Other crime' reports, rising from 1 to 3 incidents. This category, which includes offences like public intoxication and disorder, may partly explain the 75% rise in public order offences to 7 cases—a rate of 0.3 per 1,000 residents. While these increases are notable, they remain well below UK averages: public order offences in Seaford were 52% lower than the national rate of 0.6 per 1,000. Conversely, drug-related offences fell by 80% compared to April, with reports dropping from 5 to 1. This decline aligns with Seaford's historically low drug crime rates, which were 100% below the UK average in May. The sharp 62.5% reduction in other thefts—from 8 to 3 cases—suggests potential improvements in local retail security measures or increased community awareness. Violent crime rates remained 37% below the UK average despite the seasonal context, indicating that Seaford's policing strategies may be effectively mitigating risks associated with increased socialising during warmer months.

Seaford's crime rate in May 2024 (4.0 per 1,000 residents) marked a 20.2% decline from the previous month's rate of 5.0 per 1,000. This decrease translates to roughly 3 reported crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that appears relatively stable compared to other coastal towns with similar population sizes. When viewed through the lens of monthly exposure, the rate means that over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 251 residents—a statistic that highlights the area's consistently low crime levels relative to national benchmarks. This monthly aggregate perspective provides a more tangible sense of risk for residents than raw numbers alone: for context, the UK average monthly exposure is approximately 1 in 123 residents. Seaford's population of 23,857 further contextualises these figures, with the area's lower density and community-focused policing likely contributing to its ability to maintain crime rates significantly below the national average. The contrast with larger urban centres, where rates often exceed 10 per 1,000, underscores Seaford's unique position as a commuter-oriented town with strong local governance structures.