Burwash Crime Rate

Burwash is a high-safety urban settlement located within the Rother local authority, featuring a safety score of 93/100. The overall crime rate in the area is 30.0 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. Property crime is also notably low at 7.2 per 1,000, compared to the national average of 32.9. This data reflects a secure environment for residents and homeowners. Furthermore, the crime trend in Burwash is currently decreasing, with a 15.6% reduction year-over-year, suggesting that the area is maintaining its status as a peaceful and low-risk community. This context provides a reassuring baseline for those living in or considering moving to the area.

Crime in Burwash

In Burwash, the most frequent crime types are violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.9% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.4% and criminal damage and arson at 13.0%. While these percentages highlight the most common issues, the relatively low overall crime rate means the total number of incidents remains small.

Property-related crime in Burwash is notably lower than the national average, with a rate of 7.2 per 1,000 people. This combined figure includes burglary (5.6%), other theft (5.6%), and criminal damage. For residents, this indicates that while the risk of theft or burglary is present, it is significantly lower than in many other urban areas. However, the 13.0% share for criminal damage and arson suggests that property protection should still be a priority for homeowners. Public order offences also make up 7.4% of the local total, often linked to the anti-social behaviour seen in the area. The presence of 'possession of weapons' at 3.7% is a figure to monitor, though it represents a very small number of actual cases. Overall, the breakdown suggests a predominantly safe environment with occasional issues related to social conduct and minor property damage.

Crime Trends in Burwash

The crime trend in Burwash is currently moving in a positive direction, with a 15.6% decrease in total reported offences year-over-year. This reduction suggests that the local community is becoming safer over time. Monthly data from late 2024 and throughout 2025 shows that while there are fluctuations, the overall volume remains low. For example, the crime rate was at 3.9 per 1,000 people in December 2024 and March 2025, but it dropped significantly to its lowest point of 0.6 in May 2025.

Since that low point, the rate has seen some minor increases, such as 3.3 in August 2025, before settling at 1.7 in October 2025. These variations are typical for smaller settlements where a handful of incidents can noticeably impact the monthly rate. However, the overall trend of -15.6% provides a strong indication of a stable, low-crime environment. For residents, this consistent performance below the national average is a reassuring sign of the area's ongoing security.

How To Keep Safe in Burwash

The most frequent crime type in Burwash is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour. To enhance your personal and property safety in the area, consider these practical steps:

1. Be mindful of your personal safety when out in the evening, particularly in areas with higher social activity, and try to stay in well-lit, familiar locations.
2. Address the risk of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage by ensuring your property is well-protected with visible security measures and good external lighting.
3. Keep your home secure by always locking doors and windows, even when you are inside, to deter opportunistic thieves who may target the area's low-crime reputation.
4. Engage with local community groups or social media pages to stay informed about any recent crime trends or suspicious activity reported by neighbours.
5. If you witness anti-social behaviour or damage to property, report it to the local authorities promptly to help maintain Burwash’s high safety standards and deter repeat offences.

Analysis of crime in Burwash reveals that property-related offences are most frequent during specific times of the day. Burglary is particularly prevalent at night (46%), though it remains a significant concern in the afternoon and evening (32% each). This suggests that criminals target properties both when residents are away during the day and under the cover of darkness. Theft-related crimes are more common during the morning (46%) and afternoon (44%), likely coinciding with periods of higher footfall and commercial activity. Interestingly, the evening and night periods see a high percentage of 'other' crimes (50% and 43% respectively), which includes anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. This pattern indicates that while theft is a daytime risk, more disruptive or intrusive crimes are more likely to occur as the day progresses into the night. Residents should be particularly vigilant about home security during these later hours.

Comparing Burwash to its immediate neighbours provides useful regional context. While Burwash has a crime rate of 30.0 per 1,000 people, nearby Etchingham and Burwash Common both reported zero crimes, making them exceptionally safe. However, Burwash is significantly more secure than other nearby areas such as Ticehurst, which has a rate of 54.6, and Hurst Green, at 53.2. This positioning shows that Burwash is one of the safer settlements in the Rother district, offering a high level of security that far exceeds the UK average. For residents, this means Burwash provides a balanced environment that is safer than many larger neighbouring towns.

With a safety score of 93/100, Burwash is a low-crime area where the primary threat is opportunistic property crime. While the property crime rate is low at 7.2 per 1,000, the impact of a burglary or criminal damage incident can be significant. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For true peace of mind, a proactive approach is required.

The scOS home security operating system leverages AI to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring multiple cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect a potential intruder at your property boundary in real-time. It doesn't just record; it acts. The system can autonomously engage speakers or activate lighting to destroy a burglar's element of surprise, often causing them to move on within seconds. For Burwash homeowners, this means moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention. The AI's ability to learn your family's routines ensures that you only receive alerts for genuine threats, providing professional-grade protection that effectively guards against the property crimes still present in the area.