Herstmonceux Crime Rate

Herstmonceux Crime Statistics

Herstmonceux is a secure urban settlement within the Wealden local authority, with an overall crime rate of 51.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, earning the area a high safety score of 88/100. Despite a significant 105.0% increase in reported incidents year-over-year, Herstmonceux remains a safe residential area. The property crime rate is particularly low at 8.1 per 1,000, which is less than a third of the UK average of 32.3. These figures indicate that Herstmonceux offers a secure environment with a low risk of serious crime, although personal offences and anti-social behaviour remain the most common local issues.

Crime in Herstmonceux

The most frequent crime category in Herstmonceux is violence and sexual offences, which constitutes 42.7% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 25.6% and public order offences at 11.0%. These statistics indicate that while overall crime is below the national average, personal offences and nuisance-related crimes are the primary concerns for the local community.

Property crime in Herstmonceux occurs at a rate of 8.1 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. 'Other theft' is the most common property-related offence at 6.1%, while burglary and vehicle crime each account for 2.4% of total crime. For homeowners, this suggests a very secure environment, though the prevalence of 'other theft' and anti-social behaviour highlights the importance of maintaining basic security measures for both homes and personal property. The overall property crime rate reflects the area's status as a safe and peaceful rural settlement.

Crime Trends in Herstmonceux

The crime trend in Herstmonceux is significant, with a 105.0% increase in total offences compared to the previous year. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with peaks in May and August 2025 at 5.6 per 1,000. The lowest activity was recorded in December 2024, where the rate was 1.9. While this increase is high in percentage terms, it likely represents a small number of additional incidents in a low-population area. However, it highlights the importance of continued community awareness and safety measures.

How To Keep Safe in Herstmonceux

The most common crime type in Herstmonceux is violence and sexual offences, which often includes personal confrontations or public order issues. To stay safe in this community:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening hours, and stick to well-lit, familiar routes.
2. Secure your vehicles overnight, preferably in a garage or well-lit driveway, as vehicle crime accounts for 22% of all incidents reported during the night-time hours.
3. Participate in local Neighbourhood Watch programs to stay informed about any suspicious activity or specific local safety concerns.
4. Ensure that outbuildings, sheds, and garages are securely locked, as 'other theft' is a common property-related concern.
5. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps prevent minor issues from escalating.

Crime Timing in Herstmonceux

Analysis of crime timing in Herstmonceux reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The morning hours are dominated by theft (59%), making this a primary concern for local residents and property owners. As the day progresses into the afternoon, theft remains the most frequent offence (59%), while burglary accounts for 17% of reports. The evening sees a shift toward 'other' crimes (49%), which include anti-social behaviour and public order issues. During the night (12am-6am), burglary peaks at a significant 27% of all incidents, and vehicle crime accounts for 22%. This suggests that while theft is a major concern during the day, residential security becomes the critical priority during the evening and overnight hours.

Nearby Area Comparison

When comparing Herstmonceux to its immediate neighbours, it sits in a relatively safe part of Sussex. However, it is more active than several very quiet nearby areas such as Windmill Hill, Cowbeech Hill, Magham Down, and Boreham Street, all of which recorded zero crimes per 1,000 people. This makes Herstmonceux a central hub for the local area, offering a safe residential environment while serving as a primary location for local commercial and social activity. Residents of Herstmonceux benefit from a high level of security compared to larger regional centres.

Proactive Security in Herstmonceux

With a property crime rate of 8.1 per 1,000, Herstmonceux is a safe area, but the 105.0% increase in overall crime suggests that residents should remain proactive about home security. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or basic alarms, are reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred but do little to prevent it.

For those seeking true peace of mind, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By using multi-camera AI intelligence, scOS identifies potential threats at the boundary of your property. If an unauthorized person enters your property, the system can autonomously respond with lights and audio warnings, deterring the individual before they can cause damage or enter your home. In an area like Herstmonceux, where crime has recently increased, the visible presence of a professional-grade, AI-powered system is a powerful deterrent. Protecting your home is about stopping threats, not just recording them.