Polegate Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 marked a period of relative calm in Polegate, with the area’s crime rate at 2.8 per 1,000 residents—60% below the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area’s consistent safety record, a trend likely influenced by its compact built-up nature and strong community ties. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 31.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (25%) and shoplifting (15.6%). The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, empty homes during the holiday period, and the peak of Christmas shopping—may have contributed to some fluctuations. For instance, shoplifting, which typically peaks during retail seasons, saw a 37.5% decrease from November, possibly due to increased police visibility or fewer opportunities in smaller stores. Meanwhile, the low rate of property crimes (34.4% of total) compared to the UK average highlights the area’s unique demographic profile, where fewer high-value assets may reduce burglary risks. This pattern aligns with Polegate’s character as a commuter town with limited nightlife, where crime prevention efforts likely focus on targeted interventions rather than broad-scale policing.

December 2025 saw a dramatic spike in anti-social behaviour, rising from two incidents in November to eight—a 300% increase. This surge, coupled with a 200% rise in public order offences and a 100% jump in vehicle crime, contrasts sharply with declines in other categories. Criminal damage and arson fell by 75% (from four to one), while other theft and shoplifting both dropped by over a third. These shifts suggest a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. For instance, the rise in anti-social behaviour may be linked to the festive season’s social pressures, though no direct causal link can be confirmed. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 31.3% of all crimes, but still 65% below the UK average. Residents may find the 100% increase in vehicle crime—now at one incident—particularly concerning, as it highlights vulnerabilities in parking areas during the holiday period.

Polegate's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 2.8 per 1,000 residents, a 3.1% decline from the previous month’s 2.9 per 1,000. This slight downward trend suggests a continued period of relative stability in the area’s safety profile. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day in December, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 11,256 residents. Over the course of the month, the average resident faced a 1-in-352 chance of experiencing a reported crime, a statistic that contextualises the rarity of incidents within the built-up area. This monthly exposure rate is particularly striking when compared to broader UK figures, where Polegate’s overall rate is 60% below the national average. While such a disparity may seem extreme, it aligns with the area’s character as a relatively quiet, low-density urban settlement where community cohesion and local policing likely contribute to sustained low crime levels.