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

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, 16.2% below the UK average of 6.8. This figure reflects a continuation of the area's generally lower crime profile compared to national trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.3% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.8%) and public order offences (11.1%). The dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically hold a larger share. January's post-holiday context may have influenced these dynamics, with reduced retail activity potentially lowering shoplifting rates (which fell 66.7% month-on-month) but leaving other sectors exposed. The coastal town's seasonal rhythm—shorter daylight hours and fewer tourists—likely contributes to a shift in crime focus toward local disputes and anti-social behaviour. However, the significant increase in drugs-related offences (300% year-on-year) suggests a separate issue requiring further analysis. While the overall rate remains low, the spike in drug-related crimes raises questions about local enforcement or supply chains. The area's character as a seaside resort with a mix of residential and commercial zones may explain the volatility in public order offences, which rose 75% compared to December. These trends highlight the need for targeted awareness without overgeneralising the area's safety profile.

January 2026 saw a 300% surge in drugs-related crimes, jumping from two to eight incidents—a stark increase that may signal shifts in local drug distribution networks or enforcement challenges. Public order offences rose 75% compared to December, reaching 28 cases, which is 43% above the UK average. This spike, coupled with anti-social behaviour cases (45 total) remaining 8% above the UK average, suggests ongoing issues with community cohesion or alcohol-related incidents in public spaces. Conversely, shoplifting fell sharply by 66.7% (from 63 to 21), likely due to reduced foot traffic during the post-holiday lull and shorter trading hours typical in January. Vehicle crime plummeted 81.8% (from 11 to 2), possibly reflecting lower car usage during colder weather and fewer opportunities for theft. The UK average for shoplifting (0.6 per 1,000) is 12% higher than Bexhill-on-Sea's rate, indicating the area's retail sector may have stronger security measures or fewer high-risk locations. Residents should be particularly aware of the drugs-related spike, as this could indicate a new challenge for local authorities. The violence and sexual offences rate (2.2 per 1,000) is 12% below the UK average, suggesting that while violent crime remains a concern, it is not as prevalent as in other parts of the country.

Bexhill-on-Sea's crime rate in January 2026 (5.7 per 1,000) marked a 14.2% decline from December's 6.6, continuing a downward trend that has likely contributed to its position below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately eight crimes per day in January—a figure that, while seemingly high, is contextualised by the town's population of 44,697. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 177 residents, a ratio that places Bexhill-on-Sea in a safer bracket compared to many UK towns. However, this aggregate statistic masks significant variations in specific crime types. The local population context is critical: with 44,697 residents, the area's crime profile must be evaluated against both its size and the characteristics of its built-up coastal environment. While the overall rate remains low, the 300% increase in drugs-related offences highlights the need for targeted scrutiny. The daily crime count also reveals a pattern of sporadic incidents rather than concentrated spikes, which may be influenced by the town's seasonal rhythm and transient populations. Residents should consider that while the monthly exposure is relatively low, the volatility in certain crime categories—particularly drugs and public order—could impact local safety perceptions. This comparison to December and the UK average underscores the importance of monitoring specific trends rather than relying solely on aggregate figures.