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

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime profile in July 2023 reveals a distinct balance of violent and disorderly crimes, shaped by the area's coastal character and summer season. The overall crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents places the area 19.3% above the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000, a gap consistent with the region's mix of residential, tourist, and commercial activity. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime mix, accounting for 32.7% of all reported incidents—substantially higher than the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 (2.8 vs 3.2 per 1,000). This reflects the town's summer tourism peak, with outdoor events and festivals likely contributing to increased public interactions and potential for conflict. Anti-social behaviour (15.5% of total crimes) and criminal damage (12.6%) follow closely, both significantly above UK averages. The latter's 103% excess over the national rate (0.6 vs 1.3 per 1,000) may be linked to seasonal vandalism during festivals or unsecured properties left unattended during school holidays. Public order offences (12.2%) also show a marked rise, potentially tied to alcohol-related incidents in the town's coastal and retail hubs. This pattern contrasts with lower rates of property crimes, such as burglary (2.7%) and vehicle crime (6.1%), which remain below or in line with UK averages. The combination of violent crime dominance and disorderly incidents suggests a seasonal dynamic where the area's appeal as a summer destination interacts with local policing challenges. While direct causation, the correlation with July's tourism and event calendar offers a plausible explanation for the crime mix observed.

July 2023 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with possession of weapons surging by 250% (from 2 to 7 incidents) and criminal damage and arson jumping 133.3% (24 to 56). These spikes may reflect heightened tensions during summer festivals or deliberate targeting of public spaces. Other crime also rose 66.7% (3 to 5), potentially linked to unregulated activities during the tourist season. Conversely, robbery fell by 50% (from 2 to 1), due to increased police presence or altered criminal behavior during peak hours. The crime mix shifted from previous months, with violent crimes (32.7% of total) outpacing property crimes, which accounted for just 26.6% (161 of 444 incidents). This imbalance is stark compared to the UK average, where violent crime makes up around 15% of the national total. Criminal damage and arson, at 1.3 per 1,000, are 103% above the UK rate, suggesting local factors such as beachside vandalism or targeted attacks on coastal infrastructure. Meanwhile, theft from the person (0.5 per 1,000) and robbery (0.2 per 1,000) both fell significantly below UK averages, due to increased foot traffic and surveillance in tourist areas. For residents, the most immediate concern is the 133.3% rise in criminal damage, which may impact local amenities and property values. direct links to specific events but highlights a seasonal vulnerability that warrants monitoring.

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate in July 2023 (9.9 per 1,000) marked a 40.9% increase from the previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000, reflecting a sharp upward trend. This rise translates to approximately 14 crimes reported per day in July, a figure that, while lower than the UK average daily rate (which is not provided), underscores the area's relative vulnerability during the summer. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 101 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not directly comparable to UK figures, highlights the frequency of incidents in a community of 44,697 people. This increase appears to be driven by a combination of factors, including the area's status as a coastal tourist destination and the associated summer activities. The population context reveals that the crime rate is higher than the national average, with violent crime and disorderly offences forming the core of the issue. While the previous month's rate was lower, the 40.9% jump suggests a need for targeted interventions during peak tourist periods. The daily crime count of 14 provides a tangible measure for residents, illustrating the pace at which incidents occur in their neighbourhood. This figure, though not directly comparable to UK data, offers a local benchmark for assessing the impact of seasonal dynamics on crime patterns.