Polegate Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For an area with a population of 11,256, 63 reported crimes in October 2023 equate to a rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents—30% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, highlights the need for continued vigilance in a built-up area where crime patterns can fluctuate seasonally. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (36.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.3%) and criminal damage and arson (11.1%). These figures suggest a community grappling with interpersonal conflicts and property-related incidents, though the absence of severe violent crime or large-scale property theft indicates a relatively stable environment. The seasonal context of October—shorter days, the start of the school term, and Halloween—may have influenced patterns, with darker evenings potentially contributing to a rise in anti-social behaviour. However, the data also shows that Polegate remains significantly safer than the UK average for several categories, including burglary (41% below), vehicle crime (62% below), and drugs offences (50% below). This could reflect effective local policing, strong community ties, or the area's character as a smaller, more cohesive built-up area within Wealden. The balance between property and violent crimes, each accounting for 23 incidents, suggests a mixed picture of challenges, with no single category dominating the landscape. While the overall rate remains low, the month-on-month increase in public order offences and the emergence of 'other crime' as a category warrant further scrutiny to ensure that local safety measures remain robust.

October 2023 saw a 100% increase in public order offences, rising from three to six incidents. This spike aligns with Halloween activities and the transition to darker evenings, which may have heightened community tensions or drawn more crowds to local areas. Vehicle crime also doubled, with two incidents reported—though this remains below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. The category of 'other crime' appeared for the first time this month, indicating a shift in the types of incidents being reported. Meanwhile, drugs-related offences fell by 50%, from two to one, suggesting a possible reduction in illicit activity or improved enforcement. The balance between property and violent crimes remained roughly equal, with 23 each, but both were significantly below UK averages: violence and sexual offences were 26% lower, while anti-social behaviour was 38% lower. This suggests that Polegate's community may have effective mechanisms in place to deter certain types of crime, though the rise in public order offences deserves closer attention.

Polegate's crime rate in October 2023 rose 26.1% from 4.4 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a slight upward trend after a period of lower activity. This increase, though modest, underscores the volatility of local crime patterns and the need for ongoing monitoring. Daily, the area experiences roughly two crimes per day, a figure that may seem low but highlights the persistent presence of criminal activity in a community of 11,256. Over the course of the month, 1-in-179 residents reported a crime, a metric that contextualises the impact on individual households. This monthly exposure rate, while lower than many UK areas, remains a tangible reminder of the risks faced by residents. The population-scaled perspective reveals that even a small number of incidents can have significant local effects, particularly in a built-up area where community cohesion and trust are key to safety. The contrast between this figure and the UK average further illustrates the unique characteristics of Polegate, which may benefit from specific local factors such as community policing or seasonal dynamics.