Rother Crime Rate

The Rother district recorded an annual crime rate of 65.2 incidents per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, placing Rother's safety score at a respectable 85 out of 100. Overall, crime has been decreasing in Rother, with a significant year-on-year drop of 13.2%. This reduction indicates a positive trend in safety across the district, although specific crime types present varying patterns.

Rother is a diverse local authority district encompassing both urban and rural areas, contributing to its unique crime profile. The presence of towns like Rye and Bexhill-on-Sea, with higher population densities and commercial activity, often correlates with increased crime rates, particularly shoplifting and public order offences. The rural areas, while generally safer, can be susceptible to opportunistic burglaries. Demographic factors, such as the age distribution and income levels within different neighbourhoods, also play a role in shaping local crime statistics. Understanding these underlying factors is essential for developing targeted crime prevention strategies.

While Rother boasts a lower overall crime rate than the UK average, certain crime types contribute significantly to the statistics. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion, with 2,198 incidents reported—22.9 per 1,000 residents, 29% below the national average. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, recording 1,181 incidents (12.3 per 1,000), 17% below the UK average. Shoplifting represents another notable concern, with 665 incidents reported (6.9 per 1,000), 9% below the UK average. Overall, property crime in Rother stands at 21.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, indicating a need for continued vigilance and targeted preventative measures.

The overall downward trend in crime within Rother is encouraging, demonstrating a 13.2% decrease year-on-year. This positive shift is reflected in the reduction of several crime categories, including burglary (-33.1% YoY), public order (-24.7% YoY), and criminal damage and arson (-20.1% YoY). While July 2025 saw a peak in monthly crime incidents at 7.0 per 1,000, the subsequent months witnessed a gradual decline, culminating in a low of 5.0 per 1,000 in December 2025. However, bicycle theft has seen a concerning increase of 55.0% YoY, requiring attention.

Comparing Rother to its neighbouring local authorities reveals varying levels of crime. Eastbourne, with a crime rate of 121.5 per 1,000, presents a significantly higher risk than Rother. Hastings (119.2 per 1,000) also demonstrates a higher crime rate, while Wealden (48.1 per 1,000) offers a safer comparison. Understanding these regional differences can help residents contextualize Rother's overall safety profile.

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How To Keep Safe in Rother

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings, particularly when travelling alone, is crucial. Locking doors and windows, even during the day, can deter opportunistic burglaries, which have decreased significantly but still pose a risk. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the authorities as they contribute to a sense of unease. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster community safety and vigilance. Finally, secure your bicycles with robust locks to prevent theft, which is currently on the rise.