Uckfield Crime Rate

Crime in Uckfield

Uckfield is a secure and generally quiet town in Wealden, currently holding a high safety score of 86/100. This places it above the UK average of 79, reflecting a safe environment for its 14,974 residents. The overall crime rate in Uckfield is 63.0 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. However, it is important to note that the crime trend is currently increasing, with a 23.8% rise recorded year-over-year. This upward movement, while starting from a low base, suggests that residents should be more aware of local security. 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 Uckfield

In Uckfield, the criminal landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.8% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 25.6% and public order at 8.5%. These top three categories reflect the challenges of a busy town with a significant residential and commercial presence.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 17.5 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, making Uckfield a safe area for property security. Specifically, criminal damage and arson account for 8.2% of total crime, followed by shoplifting at 6.9% and 'other theft' at 5.5%. Burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low at 3.6% 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 social-related crime and retail theft. 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 Uckfield

The crime trend in Uckfield is currently increasing, with a 23.8% rise year-over-year. This upward trajectory is an important factor for residents to monitor, even though overall crime remains below national levels. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals that the year began with moderate activity, recording 3.2 crimes per 1,000 in January. The rate saw a steady increase through the spring and summer, reaching its peak of 7.8 in August.

Following this summer high, the crime rate fluctuated, dropping back to 4.6 in October before another spike in November to 4.0 per 1,000. The year ended with a rate of 3.9 in December. These fluctuations suggest that while there is some seasonal variation, the overall trend is one of gradual increase. For a busy town, these monthly changes can be significant, reinforcing the need for consistent awareness and security.

How To Keep Safe in Uckfield

The most common crime in Uckfield is violence and sexual offences, representing 33.8% of all reported incidents. However, the prevalence of anti-social behaviour (25.6%) and public order (8.5%) 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 also present, 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 Uckfield’s safety record. Vigilance and community connection are the best tools for keeping the town safe.

Time Patterns of Crime in Uckfield

Crime in Uckfield shows distinct temporal trends, particularly concerning theft and vehicle-related offences. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft is a major factor, accounting for 44% of reported incidents, while vehicle crime also appears at 10%. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft remains high at 47%, while burglary peaks at 21%. 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 19%, while 'other' crimes (including anti-social behaviour) rise to 52%. Overnight (12am - 6am), the focus shifts significantly towards vehicle crime, which accounts for 27% of all reported incidents. Burglary also reaches its daily peak at 25% 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 Uckfield.

Nearby Area Comparison

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Uckfield presents a mixed safety profile. Its crime rate of 63.0 is higher than Buxted (25.9) and Maresfield (55.3). Nearby rural areas like Framfield and Five Ash Down both reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people, representing an exceptionally high level of safety. While Uckfield’s rate of 63.0 is higher than these quiet villages, it remains a safe town in the broader context of the UK. This comparison highlights Uckfield as an active but secure residential and commercial hub, offering a level of safety that is superior to many other towns of its size.

Proactive Security for Uckfield Residents

With a property crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000 people and a 23.8% increase in overall crime, Uckfield homeowners 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 Uckfield. 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.