Wealden Crime Rate

Crime in Wealden

Wealden is a safe and predominantly rural district in East Sussex, currently holding a high safety score of 88/100. This score is significantly higher than the UK average of 79, reflecting a secure environment for its 166,908 residents. The overall crime rate in the district is 51.7 per 1,000 people per year, which is well below the national average of 91.6. However, it is important to note that the crime trend is currently increasing, with a 10.3% rise recorded year-over-year. As a large district with several market towns, Wealden’s statistics are influenced by both its urban centres and its expansive rural areas. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types and trends within the district to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

About Wealden

Wealden is a large and predominantly rural local authority district in East Sussex, characterized by its mix of historic market towns, picturesque villages, and the expansive High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This geographic diversity significantly influences its crime statistics. The district's population is spread across several key urban settlements like Hailsham, Crowborough, and Uckfield, which serve as commercial and transport hubs for the surrounding countryside.

The area's safety profile is impacted by its rural nature, which generally leads to lower crime rates than more urbanized regions. Major employers in agriculture, tourism, and local services contribute to a stable economic environment. However, the district's popularity with tourists and its position as a gateway to the south coast can lead to transient populations during peak seasons. While Wealden maintains a high safety score, its urban centres naturally experience higher concentrations of retail and social-related crime. Economic factors remain generally positive, though the rural landscape presents unique challenges for property security and community policing. Overall, Wealden is a desirable and safe region for both residents and visitors.

Crime Breakdown in Wealden

In Wealden, the criminal landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.9% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 20.0% and shoplifting at 9.0%. These top three categories reflect the district's mix of residential communities and busy market towns.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at an overall rate of 16.8 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, making Wealden one of the safer districts in the region for property security. Specifically, criminal damage and arson account for 8.4% of total crime, while 'other theft' makes up 6.7%. Burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low at 4.1% and 3.3% respectively. For residents and homeowners, this means that while violence and anti-social behaviour are the most frequent issues, the risk of intrusive property crime remains low. The shoplifting rate (9.0%) is primarily concentrated in the district's urban centres, affecting local businesses more than residential safety.

Crime Trends in Wealden

The crime trend in Wealden is currently increasing, showing a 10.3% rise year-over-year. This upward movement is an important factor for residents to consider, even though overall crime remains well below national levels. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a gradual upward pattern; the year began with a rate of 3.6 per 1,000 in January and rose steadily through the spring and summer.

The rate reached its peak in August at 5.0 per 1,000, before dipping slightly in the autumn months. The year ended with a rate of 3.9 in December. These monthly variations are typical for a large district and are often influenced by seasonal events and tourism. For residents, the overall message is one of a well-managed safety environment, though the gradual increase in activity suggests that maintaining personal and property security remains important.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its immediate neighbours in East Sussex and Kent, Wealden maintains a very favourable safety profile. While nearby areas such as Lewes, Eastbourne, Rother, Mid Sussex, Tunbridge Wells, and Brighton and Hove all reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people in this specific dataset, Wealden’s rate of 51.7 remains significantly lower than the UK national average. These neighbouring figures suggest exceptionally quiet surrounding districts, but Wealden’s rate reflects the broader activity of a large and diverse population. Within the regional context, Wealden is a very safe choice for those looking for a secure residential or business environment.

Proactive Security for Wealden Residents

In a large district like Wealden, with a property crime rate of 16.8 per 1,000 people, residents should be mindful of the limitations of traditional security. Most standard CCTV and DIY alarm systems are reactive—they record an event while it is happening or alert you after an intruder has already gained entry. While this provides evidence, it does not stop the crime from occurring in the first place.

Proactive protection, such as the scOS AI-powered operating system, is designed to prevent crime before it starts. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats before they reach your home. This is particularly valuable in more rural or isolated parts of Wealden. scOS can distinguish between residents, delivery people, and potential intruders, only alerting you when necessary. If a threat is detected at night, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers. This proactive stance is the best way to ensure your home remains secure and contributes to keeping Wealden’s crime rate low.

How To Keep Safe in Wealden

The most common crime type in Wealden is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.9% of all reported incidents. As a diverse district with both busy market towns and quiet rural areas, personal safety is a key priority for all residents.

To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings when walking in town centres, particularly late at night, and try to stick to well-lit routes. Secondly, with anti-social behaviour accounting for 20.0% of crime, ensure your home is well-secured and consider installing motion-activated lighting to deter opportunistic activity. Thirdly, with shoplifting and theft present in urban areas, keep your personal belongings secure when in crowded places. Finally, staying active in local neighbourhood watch schemes and keeping in touch with your neighbours is one of the best ways to maintain Wealden’s safety record. Vigilance and community connection are the most effective tools for keeping the district safe.