Bexhill-on-Sea Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bexhill-on-Sea’s crime rate in August 2024 stood at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a 14.6% increase above the UK average of 8.2. This figure places the area within a broader context of coastal communities, where tourism and seasonal activity often influence crime patterns. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (31.3% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (19.9%), and shoplifting (18.3%). These figures reflect the interplay between local demographics and seasonal trends, such as the influx of holidaymakers during August, which may contribute to higher rates of retail-related crimes. Violent offences, while common, were 12% above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in areas with high foot traffic or public spaces. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for nearly one-fifth of all crimes, was 32% above the UK average, potentially linked to the area’s vibrant but densely populated built-up environment. Shoplifting, at 1.7 per 1,000, was 139% above the UK average, highlighting the vulnerability of local retail sectors during peak tourism periods. These statistics underscore the importance of understanding how seasonal rhythms—such as the timing of holidays and the movement of visitors—interact with the area’s unique geography and community structure. While the overall rate remains elevated, the data also reveals areas for improvement, particularly in managing shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which may require tailored strategies involving local businesses and community engagement.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in August 2024 was a 67.4% increase in shoplifting, rising from 46 to 77 incidents. This surge aligns with August’s role as a peak holiday month, when coastal towns often see a spike in retail activity and potential opportunities for theft. Other notable changes included a 100% rise in theft from the person, a category that typically reflects tourist-related incidents, and a 60% increase in burglary, possibly linked to the seasonal presence of empty homes. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 75%, from 8 to 2, a drop that may reflect targeted enforcement or changes in local patterns. Violent crimes, while remaining the most common category (31.3% of total incidents), were 12% above the UK average at 3.0 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also showed a stark 32% gap compared to the UK, at 1.9 per 1,000. These figures highlight the combination of tourism, local policing, and seasonal dynamics, with shoplifting’s sharp rise offering a clear indicator of the area’s vulnerability during peak visitor periods.

August 2024 saw a slight decline in Bexhill-on-Sea’s overall crime rate, dropping from 9.6 to 9.4 per 1,000 residents—a 2.1% decrease compared to July. This follows a pattern of seasonal fluctuations, with August typically marking a peak in tourism and associated activity. While the rate remains above the UK average, the modest downward trend suggests potential stability in local policing efforts or community initiatives. On a daily basis, 14 crimes were reported, averaging roughly one incident every 106 residents over the month. This figure, while locally contextual, underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively small built-up area. The population context reveals that, despite the 14.6% gap between Bexhill-on-Sea and the UK average, the absolute number of crimes is manageable within the area’s scale. The monthly exposure rate—1-in-106—provides a tangible measure of risk, though this is a monthly aggregate and not indicative of daily probabilities. Comparisons to other months should consider August’s unique seasonal dynamics, such as the influx of holidaymakers and the potential for increased retail activity, which may influence both crime types and their frequency.