Staplecross Crime Rate

Staplecross is an exceptionally secure urban settlement, featuring an impressive safety score of 91/100, which is far above the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate in the area is 42.2 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 93.1. However, it is important to note that crime has increased by 46.5% year-over-year, suggesting a rise from a previously very low base. With a population of 1,491, Staplecross remains a peaceful community, but the recent upward trend indicates that residents should be more mindful of their security. Understanding the breakdown of local crime is essential for maintaining the high level of safety that the area is known for.

In Staplecross, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 22.2% of all incidents with 14 recorded cases. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 19.1%, followed by other theft at 17.5%. When examining property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—Staplecross has a rate of 18.8 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Interestingly, burglary is a notable concern in this area, making up 11.1% of all crimes, which is higher than in many similar-sized settlements. For residents, this suggests that while overall crime is low, property security is a priority, particularly given the prevalence of both burglary and general theft in the local statistics.

Staplecross has seen a significant increase in crime over the past year, with a 46.5% rise in total offences. Monthly data shows that this trend was particularly driven by a spike in September 2025 (7.4 per 1,000) and July 2025 (6.7). In contrast, many other months remained very quiet, such as May 2025 which recorded only 1.3 crimes per 1,000. This volatility suggests that while the area is generally very safe, there have been specific periods of heightened activity. For residents, the significant year-over-year increase is a clear signal to be more proactive with security, even if the overall crime rate remains low. Monitoring these monthly patterns can help the community stay alert during typically busier periods.

How To Keep Safe in Staplecross

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Staplecross. While the overall numbers are low, personal awareness and property security are the best ways to stay safe.

1. Be mindful of your surroundings when walking through the village, especially after dark, and try to stay in well-lit areas.
2. Given that burglary is a notable local concern, ensure all windows and doors are securely locked, even when you are at home or just stepping out briefly.
3. Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group to stay informed about recent incidents and to share safety information with your neighbours.
4. Install motion-sensor lighting around the exterior of your home to deter both potential burglars and those engaged in anti-social behaviour.
5. If you witness any suspicious activity, particularly near residential properties, report it to the local police to help them maintain a presence in the area.

Crime in Staplecross follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 59% and 58% of incidents respectively. However, as evening (6pm - 12am) and night (12am - 6am) approach, the nature of crime shifts significantly toward burglary. Burglary risks peak during the night-time hours at 38% and remain high in the evening at 29%. Vehicle crime also shows a notable increase at night, representing 20% of recorded offences. This data suggests that while daytime is busier for opportunistic theft, the late-night hours are when residential property is most at risk. Residents should prioritise daytime security for general theft and focus on robust night-time protection for their homes.

Within the Rother region, Staplecross (42.2 crimes per 1,000) holds a strong position for safety. It is safer than nearby Sedlescombe, which has a rate of 53.0. While it does not match the zero-crime records of very small nearby hamlets like Cripp's Corner, Bodiam, and Vinehall Street, it remains a highly secure place for a settlement of its size. For residents and those considering a move to the area, Staplecross offers a level of safety that is much higher than the national average, though the recent 46.5% increase in crime is a factor to consider when comparing it to its immediate neighbours.

With a property crime rate of 18.8 per 1,000 and a 46.5% increase in overall crime, residents of Staplecross should consider upgrading from traditional reactive security. Most standard CCTV systems only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. In contrast, scOS is a proactive AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring your property’s boundary in real-time, scOS can identify suspicious patterns and intervene autonomously. Its multi-camera intelligence never blinks, and its ability to trigger deterrents like lighting or audio warnings can stop a burglar in their tracks. For Staplecross, where burglary makes up over 11% of local crime, scOS’s proactive approach is particularly valuable. It focuses on deterrence and prevention, ensuring that your home is not just recorded, but protected. Investing in a proactive system like scOS is the most effective way to address rising local trends and maintain the security of your property.