Polegate Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In October 2024, Polegate recorded 72 crimes, translating to a rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents—21% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, when contextualised for the area’s population of 11,256, suggests a relatively safe environment. However, the crime profile reveals specific patterns: shoplifting accounted for 27.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.4%) and violence and sexual offences (13.9%). These figures align with the area’s characteristics as a built-up district within Wealden, where retail and community spaces may contribute to shoplifting rates. The seasonal context of October—shorter days, the transition from summer to winter, and Halloween—likely influenced the mix of crimes, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences rising in line with darker evenings and increased social activity. Shoplifting’s 150% above UK average rate may reflect the presence of high-street retail or tourist activity, while the significant drop in violent crime compared to the UK average could indicate effective local policing or community engagement. The data also shows that property crimes (37 incidents) outnumbered violent crimes (10), a trend consistent with many small towns where theft and disorder are more common than serious violence. This balance of crime types, combined with the area’s below-average overall rate, illustrates a community that, while not immune to crime, maintains a lower risk profile compared to the national average.

October saw a dramatic 500% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 1 to 6 incidents. This sharp rise may be linked to seasonal changes, such as increased traffic during Halloween or altered parking patterns. Criminal damage and arson also surged by 150%, a jump from 2 to 5 cases, possibly tied to the darker evenings and local events. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences fell by 16.7%, from 12 to 10, suggesting a temporary reduction in violent incidents. Shoplifting, at 20 cases, was 150% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, a stark contrast that may reflect the area's retail presence or specific local vulnerabilities. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime, was 7% below the UK average, a figure that could indicate effective local interventions or a naturally lower incidence in this built-up area. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Polegate, with some categories spiking while others decline, requiring nuanced understanding of local conditions.

Polegate's crime rate in October 2024 rose by 12.5% compared to September's 5.7 per 1,000, reaching 6.4 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in patterns that may be influenced by seasonal transitions. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 156 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure in a way that is relatable for local residents. Daily crime counts averaged 2 incidents per day, a figure that, while seemingly low, underscores the need for consistent vigilance. When scaled to the area's population of 11,256, this translates to a manageable frequency for most households. However, the increase from the previous month suggests that local factors—such as the timing of school terms, seasonal events like Halloween, or changes in community activity—may be contributing to the uptick. These figures, when viewed through the lens of daily life, provide a tangible sense of how crime is distributed across the community.