Rye Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Rye, covering the period of January to December 2025, reveal a crime rate of 95.8 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. The overall safety score for Rye stands at 77 out of 100, which is a little lower than the UK average of 79. However, a significant decrease of -15.6% year-on-year demonstrates a positive trend in reducing crime. While the figures indicate areas of concern, the downward trend offers a degree of reassurance and suggests ongoing efforts are bearing fruit. It’s important to view these statistics within the context of the area’s characteristics and population density.

The crime landscape in Rye presents a concerning picture, particularly regarding violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.2% of all reported incidents. These were followed by anti-social behaviour (20.0%) and criminal damage and arson (13.0%). While other theft constitutes a significant portion of reported crimes, at 4.8%, burglary is comparatively low at 3.2%. Vehicle crime and possession of weapons are also present, each at 2.0%. The relative prevalence of violent offences suggests underlying social factors that warrant further investigation and targeted preventative measures. Understanding these nuances is crucial for developing effective community safety strategies.

Crime in Rye has seen a positive downward trend, decreasing by 15.6% year-on-year. Monthly data from January to December 2025 shows fluctuations, with a peak in March (12.9 per 1,000) and a low in January (5.8 per 1,000). The recent months of October and November have shown particularly encouraging figures, with crime rates falling to 6.5 and 6.5 per 1,000 respectively. The December figure of 6.0 per 1,000 indicates a continuing downward trajectory. While these figures represent a significant improvement, continued vigilance and proactive crime prevention measures are essential to sustain this positive trend.

How To Keep Safe in Rye

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be particularly mindful of your surroundings when out alone, especially at night. Report any suspicious behaviour to the police promptly. Due to the presence of anti-social behaviour, consider joining or supporting local community watch schemes to foster a sense of collective responsibility. With criminal damage and arson being a concern, ensure your property is well-lit and any vulnerable areas are secured. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Finally, keep valuables out of sight and consider installing visible security measures to deter potential thieves.

Criminal activity in Rye demonstrates distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most likely to occur in the late afternoon, accounting for 18% of incidents during this period. Theft is relatively consistent across the day, but sees a slight increase in the afternoon. Vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night hours, with 17% of incidents happening between midnight and 6 am. Other crimes, however, are more common during the afternoon hours, making up 46% of those incidents. Overall, the evening and night hours present a heightened risk, particularly concerning vehicle crime and other crimes.

Rye’s crime rate contrasts with its surrounding areas. Playden and Winchelsea Beach have virtually no reported crime, while Iden also demonstrates a negligible crime rate. Peasmarsh (Rother) exhibits a higher rate, at 50.9 per 1,000, indicating that Rye’s crime levels are significantly higher than many of its immediate neighbours. This difference may be attributable to factors such as population density, visitor numbers, and the area’s economic activity.

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