Bexhill-on-Sea Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Bexhill-on-Sea, the crime rate in February 2026 translates to 6.2 incidents per 1,000 people, 3.1% below the UK average of 6.4. This coastal town, known for its seaside promenade and retail hubs, experienced a mix of crime types that reflect local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.8% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.7%) and shoplifting (12.0%). The winter months, with their reduced outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, may have contributed to the relatively low overall rate compared to busier seasons. However, the prominence of violence and anti-social behaviour suggests challenges in community cohesion that may be exacerbated by factors such as seasonal isolation or limited public engagement opportunities. Shoplifting rates, while lower than the UK average for this category, remain a concern for local businesses, linked to the town’s retail presence and tourist footfall during the off-season. The data highlights a balance between local-specific pressures and broader national trends, offering a nuanced picture of safety in this coastal area.

February 2026 saw stark shifts in crime patterns compared to January, with vehicle crime surging by 250% (from 2 to 7 incidents) and bicycle theft doubling (from 0 to 4). These increases may be linked to colder weather driving more car usage or unsecured bike storage in public spaces. Conversely, crimes such as burglary, drugs, and other crime fell by 62.5% each, potentially reflecting reduced outdoor activity during winter. Violence and sexual offences remained the largest category, with a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 — 3% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.3 per 1,000, was 43% above the UK average, pointing to ongoing tensions in community spaces. Bicycle theft in Bexhill-on-Sea was 150% above the UK average, a figure that could prompt local authorities to reassess bike storage solutions near popular tourist and residential areas.

Bexhill-on-Sea’s crime rate rose by 9.0% from 5.7 per 1,000 in January to 6.2 per 1,000 in February, marking a slight upward trend despite remaining below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 10 crimes per day over the 28-day period — a figure that, while modest, translates to one reported crime for roughly every 162 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents: a typical resident would face a 1-in-162 chance of being directly affected by crime in February. The population-scaled perspective underscores that while Bexhill-on-Sea’s overall safety is comparable to the UK, specific categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting show localised pressures. These figures may help residents contextualise their personal risk, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or limited community engagement opportunities.