Lower Willingdon Crime Rate

Crime in Lower Willingdon

Lower Willingdon is a secure and generally quiet town in Wealden, currently holding a high safety score of 88/100. This places it well above the UK average of 79, reflecting a safe environment for its 7,611 residents. The overall crime rate in Lower Willingdon is 52.7 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 significant 50.8% 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 Lower Willingdon

In Lower Willingdon, the criminal landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.1% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.0% and shoplifting at 9.7%. These top three categories reflect the challenges of a busy residential town with a significant commercial presence.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 16.4 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, making Lower Willingdon a safe area for property security. Specifically, burglary accounts for 5.5% of total crime, followed by 'other theft' also at 5.5%. Vehicle crime and criminal damage make up 2.7% and 7.0% respectively. 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 Lower Willingdon

The crime trend in Lower Willingdon is currently increasing, with a significant 50.8% rise year-over-year. This sharp 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 3.4 crimes per 1,000 in January. The rate saw its first significant increase in May, reaching its peak of 6.6.

Following this mid-year high, the crime rate fluctuated, dropping back to 3.7 in September before another spike in October to 5.3 per 1,000. The year ended with a rate of 3.6 in December. These fluctuations suggest that while there is some seasonal variation, the overall trend is one of significant 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 Lower Willingdon

The most common crime in Lower Willingdon is violence and sexual offences, representing 38.1% of all reported incidents. However, the prevalence of anti-social behaviour (17.0%) and shoplifting (9.7%) are also specific concerns for the local community.

To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings when walking in the town centre, particularly during the evening, and 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 local neighbourhood watch schemes and keeping in touch with your neighbours is one of the best ways to maintain Lower Willingdon’s safety record. Vigilance and community connection are the best tools for keeping the town safe.

Time Patterns of Crime in Lower Willingdon

Crime in Lower Willingdon shows distinct temporal trends, particularly concerning theft and vehicle-related offences. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft is a major factor, accounting for 42% of reported incidents, while burglary also appears at 20%. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft remains high at 42%, while burglary peaks at 32%. 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 30%, while 'other' crimes (including anti-social behaviour) rise to 46%. Overnight (12am - 6am), the focus shifts significantly towards vehicle crime, which accounts for 19% of all reported incidents. Burglary also reaches its daily peak at 38% 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 Lower Willingdon.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Lower Willingdon presents a safe urban profile. Its crime rate of 52.7 is lower than Polegate (58.1) and Westham (79.1). It is comparable to nearby Stone Cross (51.0). However, it remains significantly safer than nearby Eastbourne, which reports a much higher rate of 132.7. This comparison highlights Lower Willingdon as an active but secure residential hub, offering a level of safety that is superior to many other towns of its size in the region.

Proactive Security for Lower Willingdon Residents

With a property crime rate of 16.4 per 1,000 people and a significant 50.8% increase in overall crime, Lower Willingdon homeowners should consider more advanced security measures. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or DIY alarms are reactive—they notify you after a window is broken or provide footage of a crime that has already occurred. This approach provides evidence but does not prevent the incident from happening.

Proactive protection, such as the scOS AI-powered operating system, offers a different approach. 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 a busy town like Lower Willingdon. scOS can distinguish between residents and suspicious loiterers, and can even verify vehicle plates. If a threat is detected at night, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers, stopping a crime at the boundary and keeping your home and vehicles secure.