Bexhill-on-Sea Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 saw Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate climb to 7.8 per 1,000 residents, 4% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This marks a significant shift in the local crime profile, with violent crime emerging as the most unexpected driver of the increase. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.6% of all reported crimes, a rate of 2.9 per 1,000—12% above the UK average. This spike in violent crime contrasts with the usual seasonal patterns for coastal towns, where Easter holidays typically see reduced crime due to lower foot traffic. However, the data suggests a different dynamic at play, with the violence category rising above its usual seasonal trough. The area’s proximity to the sea and its status as a tourist destination may contribute to increased social interactions in public spaces. Meanwhile, property crime accounted for 33.6% of the total, with criminal damage and arson rates 97% above the UK average. This anomaly could reflect local factors such as the town’s historic architecture, which may be more vulnerable to vandalism. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, remains a persistent issue, linked to the town’s coastal location and transient population during the Easter period. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—may have created conditions where social tensions and public disorder could escalate more quickly than in other months.

The most striking movement in April 2023 was the doubling of robberies and thefts from the person, both rising from zero to one incident—a 100% increase. This anomaly contrasts with the usual low rates of these crimes in Bexhill-on-Sea, a coastal town typically characterised by lower rates of personal violence. The surge in these categories, though statistically small in absolute terms, warrants attention given their potential to disrupt local safety perceptions. Burglary also rose by 60%, increasing from five to eight incidents, though this remains below the UK average. In contrast, other crime fell by 50%, dropping from 10 to five incidents, suggesting a possible reduction in minor offences such as disorder or nuisance complaints. The violent crime rate, at 2.9 per 1,000, outpaced the UK average by 12%, a shift that could be attributed to the Easter period’s impact on social dynamics. The town’s retail and tourist infrastructure, while typically a draw for visitors, may have contributed to higher rates of public order offences, which rose 25% above the UK average. This increase aligns with the seasonal context of spring, when outdoor events and longer evenings may lead to more crowded public spaces. Vehicle crime and other thefts fell below the UK average, reflecting the town’s lower density of car parks and the relative safety of its coastal roads. However, the sharp rise in violent crime remains the most unexpected development, requiring further contextual analysis to understand its root causes.

Bexhill-on-Sea’s crime rate in April 2023 rose 17.3% compared to March 2023, when the rate was 6.6 per 1,000. This increase brings the monthly total to 348 crimes, translating to an average of 12 crimes per day—a figure that, while modest, reflects the town’s status as a built-up area within Rother. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 128 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly higher than the UK average but not significantly so. This statistic provides a tangible sense of scale for local residents, illustrating that crime, while present, remains relatively infrequent in the area. The population context is also relevant: with 44,697 residents, the town’s crime rate is distributed across a relatively large population, which may help explain why the absolute number of crimes (348) does not feel overwhelming to many residents. Comparing the monthly exposure to the previous month highlights a clear upward trend, though this must be viewed in the context of April’s seasonal factors. The Easter period, with its mix of holidays and increased public activity, may have contributed to the rise in violent crime and public order offences. These dynamics underscore the importance of considering both absolute numbers and relative rates when assessing local crime trends.