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

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate for December 2023 stood at 6.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 6.9% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This performance reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local characteristics typical of coastal towns. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 41.9% of all reported crimes, though they were 7% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson also featured prominently, with the latter 43% above the UK average. These patterns align with the area's seasonal rhythm, as December typically sees increased foot traffic in retail areas and higher incidences of property damage during holiday periods. The coastal location of Bexhill-on-Sea likely contributes to the relative absence of vehicle crime compared to urban centres, with a rate 56% below the UK average. However, the town's proximity to major transport links may explain the 14% above UK average for burglary. The month's extended darkness and reduced pedestrian activity during evenings could also partly explain the 25.9% drop in shoplifting compared to November, as retailers and shoppers may have adopted more cautious practices during the Christmas shopping peak. This data illustrates a nuanced picture where local geography and seasonal trends intersect with broader national patterns.

December 2023 saw several notable shifts in crime trends across Bexhill-on-Sea. Shoplifting decreased by 25.9% compared to November, dropping from 27 to 20 incidents. This decline may be attributed to the Christmas shopping peak, where increased security measures and reduced foot traffic in retail areas likely contributed to the reduction. Conversely, burglary rose sharply by 58.3%, with incidents increasing from 12 to 19. This increase could be linked to the holiday season, as empty homes left unoccupied during the festive period may have created opportunities for opportunistic thieves. Other crime also saw a significant rise of 33.3%, with incidents climbing from 6 to 8. This category often includes crimes like vandalism and public disorder, which may have been exacerbated by the festive atmosphere and increased social gatherings. The data also reveals that Bexhill-on-Sea's anti-social behaviour rate was 14% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the town's community-focused initiatives and strong local policing presence. Vehicle crime was 56% below the UK average, a figure that likely benefits from the area's relatively low density of parked vehicles compared to urban centres. These findings highlight the combination of local characteristics and national trends, with some categories showing marked improvements while others require closer attention.

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate in December 2023 fell to 6.7 per 1,000 residents, a 4.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000. This decline suggests a positive trajectory in local safety measures, though the town still maintains a crime rate that is 6.9% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 10 reported crimes per day in December, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the local crime context. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 148 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is relatively low compared to many UK towns. This statistic, when viewed alongside the population of 44,697, indicates that the majority of residents are not directly affected by crime on a daily basis. However, the 14% above UK average for burglary and the 43% above UK average for criminal damage and arson highlight areas where local efforts may need to be reinforced. The comparison to the UK average also reveals that Bexhill-on-Sea's performance in categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime is better than the national benchmark, suggesting that local initiatives in these areas are effective. These figures collectively illustrate a town that, while not immune to crime, has managed to maintain a safer environment compared to the national average through a combination of strategic planning and community engagement.