Polegate Crime Rate

Crime in Polegate

Polegate 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 11,256 residents. The overall crime rate in Polegate is 58.1 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Furthermore, the crime trend is currently decreasing, with a 9.8% drop recorded year-over-year. This positive trajectory reinforces Polegate’s reputation as a low-risk residential area. 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 Polegate

In Polegate, the criminal landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 26.4% of all reported incidents. This is followed closely by shoplifting at 26.1% and anti-social behaviour at 17.3%. These top three categories reflect the challenges of a busy town with a significant retail sector.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 26.2 per 1,000 residents. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.2, it represents a substantial portion of local activity. Specifically, shoplifting is a major issue, accounting for over a quarter of all crime. Criminal damage and arson follow at 8.7%, with 'other theft' at 4.7%. Burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low at 2.1% and 2.5% respectively. For residents, this means that while the risk of a residential break-in is low, there is a higher prevalence of retail theft and social-related crime. 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 Polegate

The crime trend in Polegate is currently decreasing, with a 9.8% drop year-over-year. This downward trajectory is a strong indicator of the area's ongoing safety. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals that the year began with moderate activity, recording 4.8 crimes per 1,000 in January. The rate saw its first significant increase in August, reaching a peak of 6.5.

Following this summer high, the crime rate dropped steadily, reaching its lowest points in November (2.9) and December (2.8). These fluctuations suggest that while there is some seasonal variation, the overall trend is one of gradual decrease. For a busy town, these monthly changes are typical, reinforcing the need for consistent awareness and security. The low rates at the end of the year are particularly encouraging for residents.

How To Keep Safe in Polegate

The most common crime in Polegate is violence and sexual offences, representing 26.4% of all reported incidents. However, the high prevalence of shoplifting (26.1%) and anti-social behaviour (17.3%) 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 being major issues, 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 Polegate’s safety record. Vigilance and community connection are the most effective tools for keeping the town safe.

Time Patterns of Crime in Polegate

Crime in Polegate shows distinct temporal trends, particularly concerning theft and vehicle-related offences. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft is a major factor, accounting for 39% of reported incidents, while vehicle crime also appears at 11%. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft remains high at 43%, while burglary peaks at 15%. 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 12%, while 'other' crimes (including anti-social behaviour) rise to 63%. Overnight (12am - 6am), the focus shifts significantly towards vehicle crime, which accounts for 29% of all reported incidents. Burglary also reaches its daily peak at 16% 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 Polegate.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Polegate presents a safe urban profile. Its crime rate of 58.1 is higher than Lower Willingdon (52.7) and Stone Cross (51.0). However, it remains significantly safer than nearby Eastbourne, which reports a much higher rate of 132.7. Polegate’s rate is also lower than Hailsham (74.3). This comparison highlights Polegate 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 Polegate Residents

With a property crime rate of 26.2 per 1,000 people and a high shoplifting rate, Polegate homeowners and businesses 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 Polegate. 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.