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

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate in December 2024 stood at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, marking an 11.3% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This performance highlights the area's relative safety, particularly when considering the seasonal context of a busy Christmas shopping period and extended dark evenings. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.1% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (16.7%) and anti-social behaviour (14.6%). These figures align with the town's characteristics as a coastal resort with a mix of residential and commercial areas. The lower-than-average rate for violence and sexual offences may partly explain the overall improvement, though the high proportion of violent crime remains a concern for local authorities. Meanwhile, shoplifting's 93% above the UK average suggests challenges in retail security, potentially linked to the influx of visitors during the festive season. The data also reveals a notable contrast in property crime trends, with vehicle crime falling 58.3% from November to December. This decline could reflect heightened police patrols during the holidays or increased awareness among residents and businesses. The seasonal context of December—marked by holiday shopping, dark evenings, and the temporary absence of some residents—likely influenced these patterns. Overall, the area's performance underscores the combination of local factors and broader national trends.

December 2024 saw a 20.3% reduction in shoplifting compared to November, with incidents dropping from 59 to 47. This decrease may reflect improved retail security measures or a shift in criminal activity during the festive season. Conversely, bicycle theft surged by 200%, rising from one to three incidents—a sharp increase that could be linked to holiday shopping trips or the temporary presence of non-residents. Burglary also rose by 100%, from six to 12 cases, though this remains below the UK average by 3%. The data also highlights stark contrasts with national trends: shoplifting in Bexhill-on-Sea is 93% above the UK average, while vehicle crime is 75% below. This divergence suggests that local factors, such as the town's coastal tourism and retail infrastructure, may shape crime patterns differently than in other areas. For residents, the 58.3% drop in vehicle crime offers a tangible benefit, indicating that targeted efforts—such as increased street lighting or community engagement—may be yielding results. However, the rise in bicycle theft serves as a reminder that seasonal changes can create new vulnerabilities, particularly for those who rely on cycling for transport. The overall crime mix also shifted slightly, with property crimes (violence, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage) making up 52.9% of total incidents, compared to 47.1% for violent crimes. This balance reflects the dual pressures of seasonal retail activity and the persistent challenge of managing public order in a town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces.

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate rose by 4.1% from November 2024 (6.0 per 1,000) to December (6.3 per 1,000).3% below the UK average. This increase, while modest, may be attributed to the seasonal context of December, which typically sees a spike in retail-related crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately nine crimes per day in December, a figure that could be manageable for local policing but warrants continued vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 159 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average but still meaningful for a community of 44,697 people. When viewed through the lens of population size, this translates to a crime rate that is relatively low for a coastal town, though the sharp rise in shoplifting and bicycle theft suggests localized pressures. The comparison to the UK average also highlights areas where Bexhill-on-Sea outperforms national trends, such as in vehicle crime (75% below the UK average) and drugs-related offences (44% below). These figures may reflect the town's smaller population, stronger community policing, or the absence of certain risk factors present in larger urban centres. However, the 93% above-average rate for shoplifting underscores the need for targeted interventions in retail areas. Residents should be aware that while the overall crime rate is lower than the UK average, specific categories remain areas of concern, requiring a nuanced understanding of local dynamics.