Bexhill-on-Sea Crime Rate

Bexhill-on-Sea Crime Overview

Bexhill-on-Sea currently enjoys a high level of safety, with an overall crime rate of 90.6 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This is further reflected in the town's impressive safety score of 80/100, placing it well above the UK average of 78. Most importantly, the crime trend in Bexhill-on-Sea is decreasing, with a notable year-over-year reduction of 7.7%. Property crime is also very close to national levels, sitting at 33.3 per 1,000 compared to the UK average of 32.9. These figures suggest that Bexhill-on-Sea is one of the safer urban settlements in the Rother region, making it an attractive location for families and individuals seeking a secure and peaceful environment. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of the local crime landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Bexhill-on-Sea

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.3% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.6% and shoplifting at 15.6%. Together, these three categories make up approximately 66% of the total crime in the area.

Property crime in Bexhill-on-Sea is almost exactly in line with the UK average, with a rate of 33.3 per 1,000 people compared to the national benchmark of 32.9. This total includes shoplifting (15.6%), criminal damage and arson (9.7%), other theft (4.8%), and vehicle crime (2.7%). Burglary is relatively rare, accounting for only 1.6% of total reported crimes. For residents, this suggests that while residential break-ins are less frequent, shoplifting and opportunistic theft in commercial areas are more common. The high rate of shoplifting indicates that local businesses and residents in commercial zones should focus on robust security measures. The overall decreasing trend in crime further reinforces Bexhill's reputation as a safe coastal town.

Bexhill-on-Sea Crime Trends

The crime trend in Bexhill-on-Sea is currently very positive, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 7.7%. This downward trajectory indicates that the town is becoming safer over time and remains a secure residential environment.

Looking at the monthly data for 2024 and 2025, the crime rate has remained consistently low. The lowest point was in November 2024, recording a rate of 6.0 per 1,000. While there was a slight seasonal increase during the summer months—peaking at 9.3 in July 2025—the rate quickly settled back to 7.9 by October 2025. This stability across the year is a strong indicator of a safe and well-managed coastal area.

How To Keep Safe in Bexhill-on-Sea

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Bexhill-on-Sea, accounting for exactly 33.3% of all reports. While the area is generally very safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal security.

1. Be Aware in Public Spaces: When walking through the town centre or near the seafront, stay alert to your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure to prevent opportunistic theft.
2. Secure Your Property: Given that shoplifting is high in commercial areas, residents near these zones should ensure their homes are well-secured and valuables are not visible from the street.
3. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most frequent issue; reporting these incidents promptly helps local authorities manage public spaces effectively.
4. Utilise Well-Lit Routes: When walking at night, stick to main roads and paths that are well-lit, avoiding shortcuts through isolated parks or unlit areas.
5. Install Smart Home Lighting: Use timed or motion-activated lighting around your home to deter potential intruders and increase visibility during the evening hours.

Bexhill-on-Sea Crime Timing Patterns

Crime in Bexhill-on-Sea follows specific temporal trends. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern at 39%, followed by vehicle crime at 11%. Afternoon hours see theft-related offences rise to 43%, while burglary also reaches 10% of activity in this period.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order—make up 67% of total reports. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) shows a dramatic shift toward property crime, with burglary surging to 11% and vehicle crime to 29% of all incidents. This suggests that while daytime activity is largely focused on retail and commercial theft, the hours of darkness pose a very specific and significant risk to homeowners and vehicle owners.

Nearby Areas Comparison

In the local context of the Rother area, Bexhill-on-Sea (90.6) is the primary urban centre, which naturally results in a higher crime rate than its more rural neighbours. Nearby Ninfield (51.3) and Catsfield (47.1) both offer much lower crime rates. The villages of Lunsford's Cross and Hooe Common reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, reflecting the extreme safety of the surrounding Sussex countryside. However, despite being the busiest area in the vicinity, Bexhill’s crime rate remains below the national average. For those seeking the amenities of a large town with a level of safety that rivals many suburban areas, Bexhill-on-Sea offers an excellent balance compared to other major settlements in the region.

Proactive Security in Bexhill-on-Sea

While Bexhill-on-Sea is statistically one of the safer areas in the region, its property crime rate of 33.3 per 1,000 still presents risks, particularly regarding shoplifting and opportunistic theft in commercial zones. Burglary and vehicle crime both peak during the night-time hours when properties are most vulnerable. Traditional security systems, such as basic cameras or alarms, often only alert you after a crime has been committed.

For residents who want the highest level of protection, a proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the ideal solution. By monitoring camera feeds in real-time, scOS can identify a potential intruder or car thief at the boundary of your property. Instead of just recording the incident, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio warnings to stop the crime before it happens. In an area like Bexhill-on-Sea, where overall crime is decreasing but property protection remains a priority, scOS provides the proactive deterrence needed to ensure your home remains a hard target.