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

Shoplifting emerged as the dominant crime category in Bexhill-on-Sea during September 2024, accounting for 30.3% of all reported crimes and occurring at a rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents—341% above the UK average. This figure underscores the challenges faced by local retailers, particularly during the back-to-school and freshers’ week period, when the town’s population swells with students and new residents. The overall crime rate for the area stood at 10.0 per 1,000, placing it 29.9% above the UK average of 7.7. While property crimes (185) and violent crimes (125) formed the bulk of reported incidents, anti-social behaviour and public order offences also contributed significantly, with rates 54% and 43% above the UK average, respectively. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students and the onset of darker evenings—may have influenced these trends, as increased foot traffic and social activity in town centres often correlate with higher rates of petty theft and disorder. However, a direct link between these factors and the specific crime types observed, though the coastal location and proximity to educational institutions likely play a role. The sharp contrast between the rise in shoplifting and the decline in burglary (down 62.5% from August) suggests that different dynamics are at play, with targeted retail areas experiencing higher pressure while residential properties may benefit from seasonal absences or improved security measures.

September 2024 saw a dramatic surge in drug-related offences, which rose by 250% compared to August, with cases increasing from 2 to 7. This sharp increase, while not uncommon in areas with transient populations, may partly explain the broader uptick in violent crime, which remained 7% above the UK average. Conversely, burglary rates fell by 62.5% (from 8 to 3), a decline consistent with seasonal patterns as university students return and local businesses adjust to post-summer rhythms. Shoplifting remained the dominant crime category, occurring at a rate 341% above the UK average (3.0 per 1,000). This figure, which accounts for 30.3% of all crimes, highlights the vulnerability of retail areas in Bexhill-on-Sea, particularly during the back-to-school and freshers’ week period. Residents should note that while overall crime rates rose, vehicle crime fell by 78% compared to the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or environmental factors may be reducing this category.

Bexhill-on-Sea’s crime rate rose 5.5% from 9.4 to 10.0 per 1,000 residents in September 2024, continuing a pattern observed in recent months. This translates to roughly 15 reported crimes per day, a figure that reflects the area’s population density and seasonal dynamics. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 100 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the persistent presence of crime in the built-up area. While this rate is higher than the UK average, it is important to contextualise it within local factors. The coastal location and proximity to educational institutions may contribute to fluctuations in certain crime types. The drop in burglary and criminal damage—despite the overall increase—suggests that targeted efforts or seasonal changes may have influenced these categories. Residents should consider these figures alongside broader community initiatives, though specific programmes are not detailed in the data.