Polegate Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Polegate's built-up area within Wealden recorded a crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 in July 2023, placing it 44.6% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This figure, while showing a 62.7% increase from June's rate of 2.8 per 1,000, reflects a broader trend of sustained safety compared to national benchmarks. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (15 incidents, 28.9% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (12 incidents, 23.1%). These categories, though significant, remain well below UK averages—violence and sexual offences were 53% below the national rate of 2.8 per 1,000, while anti-social behaviour was 23% below the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and increased tourism—likely influenced the crime profile. While property crimes (20 incidents) constituted 38.5% of total crimes, they were lower than the UK average for similar categories. This pattern may be attributed to Polegate's character as a relatively small, community-focused area where local engagement and policing efforts could contribute to the suppression of property-related offences. The data also highlights the importance of contextualising crime statistics: while increases in public order and burglary are concerning, they remain within a framework of overall low crime levels that distinguish Polegate from larger urban centres.

July 2023 saw a stark 400% increase in public order offences, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This spike, while concerning, remains 35% below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Bicycle theft and burglary both doubled from zero to one incident each, a development that may partly reflect increased summer activity or seasonal tourism patterns. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 14.3% (7 to 6), maintaining a 22% deficit to the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. The crime mix shifted with violence and sexual offences accounting for 28.9% of all incidents—nearly double the share of anti-social behaviour, which at 23.1% remains the second most common category. This pattern aligns with the area's seasonal context: peak summer months often see heightened social activity, which may contribute to both increases in public order issues and decreases in property crimes as outdoor spaces become more actively monitored by residents and visitors alike.

Polegate's crime rate in July 2023 (4.6 per 1,000) marked a 62.7% increase from June's 2.8 per 1,000. This rise, though significant, still places the area 44.6% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 2 crimes per day in July, a figure that translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 216 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate is low compared to national averages, it underscores the relatively safe environment in Polegate. The population context further highlights the scale: with 11,256 residents, the area's crime statistics reflect a manageable burden on local policing resources. This contrast between the monthly aggregate and the daily frequency illustrates the importance of contextualising crime data beyond raw numbers, particularly in a built-up area where community engagement and local initiatives may play a role in maintaining low crime levels.