Hailsham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Hailsham's crime rate in January 2026 reached 7.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 13.2% increase over the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure reflects a built-up area within Wealden where crime patterns are shaped by local demographics and infrastructure. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 31.3%. These categories, particularly violence, remain consistently above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the higher incidence of violent and anti-social behaviour. While shoplifting and public order offences showed lower rates compared to the UK average, the overall profile indicates a community grappling with persistent challenges in crime prevention. The absence of significant seasonal dips in property crime, such as burglary or vehicle theft, may be linked to Hailsham's specific characteristics, including its proximity to transport hubs or local economic factors that sustain these activities year-round.

The most dramatic month-on-month change was a 300% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from one incident in December to four in January. This surge contrasts sharply with a 61.1% drop in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 18 to 7. The violent crime category, contributing 35% of total incidents, remained 8% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour—accounting for 31.3% of crimes—was 158% above the national rate. Vehicle crime also saw a notable 150% increase, from two to five incidents, despite being 46% below the UK average. These shifts suggest a combination of local factors, with drug-related activity spiking during the post-holiday period. Residents may find the 300% rise in drug offences particularly concerning, as it represents a significant deviation from previous trends.

Hailsham's crime rate in January 2026 rose to 7.7 per 1,000 residents, a 23.9% increase from 6.2 per 1,000 in December 2025. This places the area 13.2% above the UK average, which stood at 6.8 per 1,000. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 129 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. Daily crime counts averaged approximately five incidents per day, reflecting a consistent presence of crime in the built-up area. While this rate is higher than the UK average, Hailsham's population density and local infrastructure may influence these figures differently than in more rural or urban settings. The increase from December highlights a shift in crime patterns that could be linked to seasonal factors, such as post-holiday activity or changes in community engagement.