Heathfield (Wealden) Crime Rate

Crime in Heathfield (Wealden)

Heathfield is a secure and generally quiet town in Wealden, currently holding an excellent safety score of 90/100. This places it well above the UK average of 79, reflecting a very safe environment for its 8,182 residents. The overall crime rate in Heathfield is 42.6 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. However, it is important to note that the crime trend is currently increasing, with a 15.9% rise recorded year-over-year. This upward movement, while starting from a low base, suggests that residents should be more aware of local security. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in the area and when they are most likely to happen.

Crime Breakdown in Heathfield (Wealden)

In Heathfield, the criminal landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.7% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.8% and criminal damage and arson at 10.6%. These top three categories reflect the challenges of a busy town with a significant residential population.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 12.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, making Heathfield a very safe area for property security. Specifically, shoplifting accounts for 8.0% of total crime, followed by burglary at 4.6% and 'other theft' at 3.4%. Vehicle crime is exceptionally low at 2.0%. For residents, this means that while the risk of a residential break-in is low, there is a higher prevalence of social-related crime and retail theft. Local businesses should remain vigilant, while homeowners should focus on general property maintenance and perimeter security to deter anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Crime Trends in Heathfield (Wealden)

The crime trend in Heathfield is currently increasing, with a 15.9% rise year-over-year. This upward trajectory is an important factor for residents to monitor, even though overall crime remains below national levels. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals that the year began with moderate activity, recording 3.3 crimes per 1,000 in January. The rate saw its first significant increase in June, reaching its peak of 4.9.

Following this mid-year high, the crime rate fluctuated, dropping back to 3.3 in October before another dip in November to 2.3 per 1,000. The year ended with a rate of 3.3 in December. These fluctuations suggest that while there is some seasonal variation, the overall trend is one of gradual increase. For a busy residential town, these monthly changes can be significant, reinforcing the need for consistent awareness and security.

How To Keep Safe in Heathfield

The most common crime in Heathfield is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 38.7% of all reported incidents. Although the overall volume of crime is low, maintaining personal safety is always important for residents.

Firstly, stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, especially during the darker winter months, and try to stick to well-lit routes. Sharing your location with a trusted contact if you are out late is a simple but effective precaution. Secondly, with shoplifting and theft also present, keep your personal belongings secure when in crowded places. Thirdly, ensure your home is well-secured with high-quality locks and consider installing motion-activated lighting to deter opportunistic anti-social behaviour. Finally, staying active in the local community and looking out for your neighbours can help maintain the town’s strong safety record. Vigilance and community connection are the best tools for keeping Heathfield safe.

Time Patterns of Crime in Heathfield (Wealden)

Crime in Heathfield shows distinct temporal trends, particularly concerning theft and vehicle-related offences. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft is a major factor, accounting for 24% of reported incidents, while burglary also appears at 19%. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary peaks at 31%, and theft remains high at 26%. This indicates that properties and personal items are most vulnerable during the middle of the day.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), burglary remains a key concern at 24%, while 'other' crimes (including anti-social behaviour) rise to 60%. Overnight (12am - 6am), the focus shifts significantly towards vehicle crime, which accounts for 22% of all reported incidents. Burglary also reaches its daily peak at 30% during the night. These patterns highlight that while daytime is a risk for theft, the late-night and early-morning hours are when vehicles are most vulnerable in Heathfield.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Heathfield presents a safe urban profile. Nearby rural areas like Cade Street, Little London, and Maynard's Green all reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, representing an exceptionally high level of safety. While Heathfield’s rate of 42.6 is higher than these quiet villages, it remains a very safe town in the broader context of the UK. This comparison highlights Heathfield as an active but secure residential hub, offering a level of safety that is superior to many other towns of its size. Broad Oak (Wealden) reports a slightly lower rate of 33.1.

Proactive Security for Heathfield Residents

In an area as safe as Heathfield, with a property crime rate of just 12.2 per 1,000 people, the goal of security is often about maintaining that high standard and deterring the rare opportunistic threat. Traditional security systems like basic CCTV or DIY alarms are reactive—they record an event after it has happened or sound an alarm once a break-in has already occurred. This approach provides a record of the crime but does not stop it.

For residents who want to ensure their home remains a sanctuary, proactive protection is a far more effective choice. The scOS AI-powered operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundary in real-time. It can distinguish between residents, delivery people, and potential intruders, only alerting you to genuine threats. If a suspicious individual is detected at night, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers. This proactive stance ensures that any potential incident is stopped at the perimeter, keeping Heathfield’s low crime rate exactly where it should be.