Bexhill-on-Sea Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

April 2025 marked a significant shift in Bexhill-on-Sea’s crime profile, with shoplifting emerging as the most unexpected surge in reported incidents. At 1.4 per 1,000 residents, shoplifting was 112% above the UK average, a figure that contrasts sharply with the area’s generally lower rates for property crimes. This anomaly may be linked to the town’s coastal retail hubs, which typically see increased foot traffic during Easter and spring, when visitors flock to the area. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.2 per 1,000, remained the most common category, contributing 38.1% of all crimes, a pattern consistent with the area’s mix of tourist activity and residential communities. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting—more than double the UK average—raises questions about the effectiveness of current retail security measures. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.9 per 1,000, was 32% below the UK average, suggesting that community policing efforts in public spaces may be having a positive impact. The seasonal context of April, with its Easter celebrations and milder weather, likely influenced the mix of crimes, as outdoor activity and tourism can drive both retail crime and public order issues. These trends underscore the need for adaptive strategies that address both the unique characteristics of Bexhill-on-Sea’s built-up area and the broader seasonal influences on crime patterns.

April 2025 witnessed a 500% surge in burglary, jumping from one to six incidents, a stark anomaly in the data. This spike, alongside a 200% rise in robbery and a 166.7% increase in 'other crime,' suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns. Shoplifting, at 1.4 per 1,000 residents, remains 112% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the town’s retail presence and Easter-related foot traffic. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 50%, from 16 to 8, possibly due to reduced car parking in coastal areas during spring. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.9 per 1,000, is 32% below the UK average, indicating a lower incidence of public disturbances compared to national trends. For residents, the 66.7% drop in theft from the person—falling from three to one incident—offers a glimmer of reassurance amid the broader rise in crime. These fluctuations highlight the need for targeted policing in retail zones and public spaces, where shoplifting and burglary have seen the most dramatic changes.

Bexhill-on-Sea’s crime rate in April 2025 rose to 8.3 per 1,000 residents, an 18.6% increase from March’s 7.0 per 1,000. This brings the area’s rate 7.8% above the UK average, a shift that may reflect seasonal patterns in the coastal town. Daily crime figures show 12 crimes reported each day, a consistent rhythm that aligns with the area’s tourism and retail activity. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for roughly every 121 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the density of incidents in a built-up area. While this rate is higher than the previous month, it remains lower than the UK’s overall daily average, which is not provided for this analysis. The population context underscores that Bexhill-on-Sea, with 44,697 residents, experiences crime at a pace that may be influenced by its proximity to coastal attractions and the influx of visitors during Easter and spring. This comparison to the previous month and the UK average suggests a need for continued monitoring of local trends, particularly in retail and public spaces.