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

Bexhill-on-Sea's January 2024 crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents marked a 10.8% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This coastal town's crime profile shows a distinct pattern, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 36.7% of all reported crimes—significantly lower than the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour (15.7% of total crimes) and criminal damage and arson (11.6%) followed closely, reflecting the area's seasonal dynamics. January's post-holiday period and shorter daylight hours likely contributed to a shift in crime patterns, with fewer outdoor crimes typical of the winter months. However, the data reveals concerning trends in specific categories: shoplifting, which rose sharply in the month, and possession of weapons, which saw a 100% increase from zero incidents in December. These spikes, while not yet fully explained, may be linked to the town's proximity to major transport routes and the influx of transient populations during the holiday season. The overall crime rate remains lower than the UK average, but the increase in certain categories deserves closer attention from local authorities and residents alike.

January 2024 saw alarming spikes in three specific crime categories. Possession of weapons increased by 100%, jumping from zero incidents in December to six reported cases—a figure that, while small, signals a potential shift in local dynamics. Shoplifting rose sharply by 65%, with 33 incidents recorded compared to 20 in December. This surge may be tied to post-holiday retail activity, as Bexhill's high street sees seasonal fluctuations in foot traffic. Vehicle crime also increased by 40%, with 14 incidents reported in January compared to 10 in December. This rise could be connected to colder weather patterns, which may encourage vehicle-related crimes in enclosed or poorly lit parking areas. Bexhill's crime mix shows a marked contrast to national trends: while UK averages for anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are slightly higher, Bexhill's rates for vehicle crime and burglary are significantly below the UK average. This divergence highlights the town's unique characteristics, with its coastal location and relatively lower population density likely contributing to reduced vehicle crime. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or vehicle congestion, as these appear to be emerging hotspots for targeted crimes.

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate in January 2024 (6.6 per 1,000 residents) was 2.2% lower than the previous month's rate of 6.7 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 9 crimes per day over the 31-day period—a figure that, while not insignificant, remains lower than the UK average. When scaled to the local population, the monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime per 152 residents provides context for residents: over the course of January, each individual had a roughly 0.66% chance of being directly affected by a reported crime. This rate is lower than the UK average, which would equate to a higher exposure rate for similar-sized areas. The population-scaled perspective is particularly relevant for Bexhill's coastal demographics, where community cohesion and geographic isolation may contribute to lower crime rates. However, the month-on-month decline does not fully offset the year-over-year trends in specific categories, such as the 100% increase in weapons possession. These figures suggest that while the overall crime picture remains relatively stable, targeted interventions may be necessary for emerging issues. Residents should consider these statistics in the context of their daily routines, as the daily crime count provides a tangible measure of local safety.