East Dean and Friston Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in East Dean and Friston

East Dean and Friston, a built-up area within Wealden with a population of 2,193, reports an overall crime rate of 34.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 residents, positioning East Dean and Friston as a very safe community. The area boasts an impressive safety score of 92 out of 100, well above the UK average safety score of 78. Property crime in East Dean and Friston stands at 10.0 per 1,000 people, considerably below the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Notably, recent trends indicate a positive development, with an overall decrease in crime of 7.3% year-over-year. This report provides a detailed overview of crime types, temporal patterns, and local comparisons to better understand safety in East Dean and Friston.

Crime Type Analysis in East Dean and Friston

An examination of crime types in East Dean and Friston reveals 'Anti-social behaviour' as the most common category, accounting for 25.0% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 8.7 per 1,000 people. This is followed by 'Violence and sexual offences', which makes up 22.4% of offences (7.8 per 1,000), and 'Vehicle crime', representing 9.2% of the total with 3.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. These top three categories highlight prevalent concerns within the community, particularly regarding public conduct and property security.

Property-related crime in East Dean and Friston, encompassing burglary, criminal damage and arson, vehicle crime, and other theft, is recorded at 10.0 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the national average of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting that residents and homeowners in East Dean and Friston face a significantly reduced risk of property-specific offences. Despite the lower rates, understanding these statistics encourages continued vigilance and the adoption of effective security measures to protect homes and valuables, especially given the notable presence of vehicle crime.

Crime Trends in East Dean and Friston

East Dean and Friston has experienced a positive crime trend, with an overall decrease of 7.3% in crime year-over-year. This indicates a significant improvement in the local safety landscape. Analysis of the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals a generally stable yet fluctuating pattern over the past year. The crime rate was 3.2 in October 2024, dipping to 1.4 in July 2025. Following this, there was an upward trend through spring and summer, peaking at 5.5 in June 2025 and 4.1 in January 2025. The rate then saw a slight decline to 3.2 by September 2025.

This trend suggests that while there is an overall decline, monthly variations occur, with some periods experiencing slightly higher activity. For East Dean and Friston residents, the decreasing trend is reassuring, but it still highlights the importance of remaining informed about local patterns and continuing to implement appropriate security measures to maintain and further enhance community safety.

Time Patterns of Crime in East Dean and Friston

Crime in East Dean and Friston exhibits distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle, influenced by daily routines and opportunities. In the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 33% of crimes, alongside 26% vehicle crime and 15% burglary. This suggests activity as residents leave for work and properties may be vulnerable. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a peak in theft at 38% and an increase in burglary to 27%, likely coinciding with busy periods and unattended homes.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), the crime landscape shifts; 'other' offences become dominant at 42%, with vehicle crime at 25% and burglary at 21%. This period often correlates with increased social activity. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime significantly rises to 52%, with 'other' offences at 21% and burglary at 22%. These hours, when properties are often unoccupied or residents are asleep, present opportunities for nocturnal property crimes. Understanding these time-based variations can help residents adjust their security practices accordingly.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide a local context, East Dean and Friston's crime rate of 34.6 per 1,000 people positions it as a very safe area when compared to neighbouring built-up areas. While specific crime rates for each adjacent location are not detailed here, East Dean and Friston generally maintains a lower crime profile than many comparable settlements in the region. Nearby areas such as Lower Willingdon, Eastbourne, Alfriston, and Seaford offer a diverse local environment, each with their own unique characteristics that influence crime statistics.

This comparison is valuable for residents, offering insight into how East Dean and Friston's safety profile stands in relation to its immediate neighbours. It helps to contextualise the local crime statistics, enabling a more informed understanding of the area's relative security and potential regional influences on crime patterns, reinforcing East Dean and Friston's reputation as a secure place to live.

Enhancing Your Security in East Dean and Friston

Despite East Dean and Friston's excellent safety score and relatively low property crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 people, adopting proactive home and property security measures remains a wise decision. Traditional security systems often only record a crime in progress, offering little in the way of actual deterrence or prevention. For comprehensive protection, residents should consider solutions that actively prevent incidents.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS provide a significant advancement by detecting threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they can cause harm. These systems utilise multi-camera intelligence to ensure constant vigilance, and features like DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning help to accurately identify threats while ignoring routine activities. With an autonomous response that activates lights and speakers, scOS creates a powerful deterrent, disrupting an intruder's plans within seconds. This professional-grade, proactive approach is a stark contrast to reactive systems, offering East Dean and Friston residents superior peace of mind by actively preventing crime rather than merely documenting it.