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

Bexhill-on-Sea's overall crime rate in December 2025 stood at 6.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 5.7% below the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This marks a consistent trend in recent months for the coastal town, which has maintained a lower-than-average rate despite seasonal pressures. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.9% of all reported incidents, though this rate (2.2 per 1,000) was 14% below the UK average. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, with 63 incidents reported — 146% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This spike may partly explain the seasonal dynamics of a coastal town experiencing heightened retail activity during the Christmas shopping period. Anti-social behaviour (1.0 per 1,000) also exceeded the UK average by 8%, likely reflecting the impact of festive gatherings and increased foot traffic in the town centre. The data suggests that while Bexhill-on-Sea has successfully mitigated some crime trends, specific categories like shoplifting and weapons possession require targeted attention. The town's crime profile appears to be shaped by its coastal location, with retail areas driving property crime and the dark winter evenings potentially contributing to higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. These patterns align with the broader characteristics of a seaside town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where seasonal fluctuations have a measurable impact on crime reporting.

December 2025 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with some areas showing marked improvement and others rising sharply. Possession of weapons surged by 250% compared to November, with incidents increasing from 2 to 7. This jump, while concerning, remains relatively low in absolute terms given the town's population of 44,697. Shoplifting also rose by 40%, from 45 to 63 incidents, a trend consistent with the Christmas shopping peak and the town's retail presence along the coastal promenade. Conversely, drugs-related crimes fell by 66.7%, dropping from 6 to 2 cases — a decline likely linked to the holiday season reducing opportunities for drug distribution. Public order offences also decreased by 36%, from 25 to 16, potentially reflecting the seasonal slowdown in nightlife activity during December. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell by 26.2% despite the festive period, with incidents dropping from 61 to 45. This could indicate improved community engagement or policing efforts in the town centre. The rate of violence and sexual offences (2.2 per 1,000) remained 14% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or the town's demographics may be contributing to this relative safety. These findings highlight the combination of seasonal factors and local crime patterns, with some areas showing resilience while others require closer scrutiny.

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate in December 2025 remained stable compared to the previous month, with no significant change from the 6.6 per 1,000 figure recorded in November. This consistency is notable given the typically volatile nature of crime statistics during the holiday season. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 10 reported crimes per day — a figure that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 152 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable towns in the region. When considering the population context, the 44,697 residents of Bexhill-on-Sea are spread across a coastal town with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist areas, which may influence the distribution of crime types. The daily crime count, while modest, reflects the challenges of maintaining public safety in a town that experiences both regular community life and seasonal fluctuations. This data suggests that the local police force and community initiatives have managed to keep crime within manageable levels, though the sharp increase in shoplifting and weapons possession indicates areas for potential improvement. The comparison to the previous month highlights the importance of monitoring trends over time, as even small shifts can have significant implications for local safety.