Rye Crime Rate

Crime in Rye

Rye is a busy urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 100.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly higher than the UK national average of 93.1, which is reflected in its safety score of 76/100. While this score is just below the UK average of 78, Rye remains a secure area for many. Encouragingly, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a 12.5% year-over-year decrease in total reported offences. This downward trajectory suggests that local safety initiatives are having an impact despite the higher volume of reports. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the specific types of crime in Rye and the times they are most likely to occur.

Crime Breakdown in Rye

Rye's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 165 incidents, or 39.3% of all reported crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (19.8%) and criminal damage and arson (12.1%). These three categories represent the majority of local police activity, indicating that public order and personal safety are the primary concerns for the area.

The property crime rate in Rye is 26.1 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK national average of 32.9. This category includes 16 burglaries, 9 vehicle crimes, 7 shoplifting incidents, and 21 cases of 'other theft'. For homeowners, the burglary rate (3.8 per 1,000) is relatively low. However, the fact that criminal damage is a significant contributor (12.1% of total crime) suggests that properties and perimeters are the most likely targets for opportunistic crime or vandalism.

For residents, the data indicates that Rye is a safe place to live, with property crime rates below the national average. However, the high volume of violence and anti-social behaviour reports suggests that public spaces and the town centre are the key areas for safety focus. Homeowners should maintain good security practices to protect their property and assets from the risk of opportunistic offences and damage.

Crime Trends in Rye

Rye is currently seeing a positive downward trend in criminal activity, with a 12.5% year-over-year decrease in total crimes. While the overall crime rate remains slightly higher than the national average, this reduction is a welcome sign for the local community. Monthly data for 2025 shows some fluctuation, with the crime rate peaking in March at 12.9 per 1,000 residents and hitting its lowest point in January at 5.8.

The spring and summer months have been busier on average, with March (12.9), August (10.5), and November 2024 (11.0) all showing higher rates than the winter months. This suggests a seasonal increase in activity, likely tied to the town's role as a major tourist destination. The most recent data from October (6.5) shows a decline from those peaks. For residents, this means that while the long-term trend is improving, maintaining good security habits during peak tourist months is increasingly important.

How To Keep Safe in Rye

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Rye. While the overall numbers are low, maintaining personal safety and community awareness is important for keeping the area secure, especially during busy tourist periods.

To stay safe in Rye, consider these practical tips:

• Stay Aware in Public Spaces: Even in safe areas, being aware of your surroundings when walking alone, especially at night, is a good habit.
• Secure Your Property: With burglary risk peaking at night, ensure all doors and windows are robustly locked before dark.
• Improve Property Lighting: Motion-activated lights around your home can deter opportunistic theft and anti-social behaviour in the evenings.
• Report All Concerns: Helping the police by reporting even small incidents or suspicious loitering helps maintain the overall safety of the community.
• Join Local Safety Groups: Participating in neighbourhood watch or local online community groups can help you stay informed about any rare spikes in local activity.

Temporal Crime Patterns in Rye

Analyzing when crime occurs in Rye reveals that daylight hours are the most active for theft-related offences. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft accounts for around 31-33% of all reported incidents. This suggests that opportunistic thieves are highly active during peak commercial hours and when residents may be away from home.

In contrast, the timing of burglaries shows a different pattern. While they occur throughout the day, the highest proportional risk is at night (12am - 6am), where burglary makes up 21% of all reports. This is followed by the afternoon (20%) and evening (15%). This indicates that properties are most vulnerable when residents are out during the day or asleep at night. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) also see a high proportion of 'Other' offences (68%), often relating to public order or anti-social behaviour. Overall, the risks shift from theft during the day to property intrusion at night. Vehicle crime is also proportionally higher at night (17%) compared to other times of the day.

Nearby Area Comparison

Within the Rother region, Rye has a higher crime rate than its immediate neighbours. Peasmarsh reports a crime rate of 51.6 per 1,000, which is roughly half of Rye's rate. Other nearby villages such as Playden, Winchelsea Beach, and Iden have reported zero crimes in the latest period. This disparity is likely due to Rye's status as a major local hub for tourism and commercial activity. For those considering the area, Rye offers more amenities but requires a greater focus on individual property security compared to its quieter neighbours.

Proactive Protection for Rye Homes

In Rye, where the property crime rate is 26.1 per 1,000 residents, home security is an important consideration for maintaining the town's safety standards. The fact that criminal damage is a significant contributor (12.1% of total crime) suggests that perimeters and visible property are the most likely targets for opportunistic crime or vandalism in both the town centre and residential areas.

Traditional security systems are reactive; they provide you with footage of a crime after it has already taken place. For Rye homeowners, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious loiterer, and if a threat is detected, it can trigger autonomous deterrents like lights or audio alerts. This stops a potential crime before it begins, ensuring your home remains as safe as the statistics suggest. In an area with a higher volume of reports, proactive AI security is the most effective way to provide total peace of mind.