Crime Rate in Lewes: Trends, Hotspots

Overview of Crime in Lewes

The total recorded crimes in Lewes, UK in July 2025 are around 751 as per the recent police data. This equates to a Lewes crime rate of 7.52 per 1,000 population.

It's important to note that this crime data is based on the Geographic Boundry data provided by the ONS around Lewes, encompassing approximately 99,909 residents.

Most occured crime Types

The most prevalent crimes in the area during Jul were:

  • Violence and sexual offences: (266) incidents (1.92% increase)
  • Anti-social behaviour: (181) incidents (35.07% increase)
  • Shoplifting: (67) incidents (48.89% increase)
Lewes Crime Hotspots

The surrounding areas of below locations have emerged as crime hotspots,

  • Prison with total crimes: 25
  • Railway Road with total crimes: 23
  • Petrol Station with total crimes: 21

Lewes Police Info:

Sussex Police

How safe is Lewes?

To understand the safety of Lewes, we need to analyze Lewes crime statistics in relation to both national and regional averages. This report will examine the available data and provide a balanced assessment.

  • Relative to the UK:

    • Lewes has recorded 8,184 crimes in the current year, resulting in a crime rate of 81.91 per 1,000 residents. This places it at rank 204 out of 331 in the UK, indicating it is safer than average.

    • Yearly trends show that in the previous year, the city recorded 6,406 crimes with a crime rate of 64.12, ranking it 272 in the UK. This an increase in crime suggests Negative changes.

  • Relative to East Sussex:

    • In 2024, Lewes demonstrated a lower crime volume than the East Sussex average, with 8184 crimes compared to 10270.0. This suggests a relatively safer position within the region for the year. Furthermore, Lewes witnessed more crimes than 4 out of 4 other cities.

    • In 2023, Lewes had fewer crimes than the East Sussex average, with 6,406 crimes compared to 8,061. This reflects a relatively lower crime rate for the city within the region that year. Furthermore, Lewes witnessed more crimes than 3 out of 4 other cities.

  • Overall Assessment:

    • Based on the available data, Lewes is considered safer compared to the national averages.

    • Compared to other cities in East Sussex, Lewes has a lower crime rate in 2024.

    • The trend in crime rates suggests Negative changes in overall safety.

Lewes Crime Analysis: Ward & Area

The difference in crime rates between the most dangerous ward, Newhaven South (104 crimes), and the safest, Plumpton, Streat, East Chiltington & St John (2 crimes), is 102 crimes. This measurable difference indicates a some disparity in safety across Lewes.

Similarly, the area of Lewes Central & East (115 crimes) reports a significantly higher crime count compared to Chailey, Newick & Barcombe (28 crimes), with a difference of 87 crimes. This measurable difference highlights the diverse crime landscape within Lewes.

Most Dangerous Wards:

Newhaven South104
Lewes Bridge72
East Saltdean & Telscombe Cliffs64
Lewes Priory64
Newhaven North60

Safest Wards:

Seaford North14
Ditchling & Westmeston10
Wivelsfield8
Newick3
Plumpton, Streat, East Chiltington & St John2

Most Dangerous Areas:

Lewes Central & East115
Newhaven Town92
Newhaven West72
Lewes West64
East Saltdean & Telscombe Cliffs64

Safest Areas:

Wivelsfield Green, Ditchling & Rodmell50
Seaford Eastbourne Road34
East Blatchington30
Ringmer, Glynde & South Heighton30
Chailey, Newick & Barcombe28

Lewes Crime Statstics

In July 2025 the Lewes has recorded 751 crimes with crime rate of 7.52 ranking 210th out of 331 in the UK and ranked 4 out 331 in terms of total crimes and 6 in terms of crime rate in East Sussex.

In 2024, the total Lewes crimes were 8,184. The crime rate of Lewes in 2024 was 81.91 (year) or 6.83 (month) ranking it 204 danzarous in the UK. Lewes ranked 5 in terms of total crimes and 4 in terms of crime rate in East Sussex.

In 2023, the total crimes in Lewes were around 6,406 crimes with yearly crime rate of 64.12 (year) or 5.34 (month) ranking 272 out 331 most dangerous city in the UK. As compared to neighboring cities in East Sussex, Lewes ranked 4 out 331 in terms of total crimes or 4 as per crime rate of Lewes

CityJuly 202520242023
CrimesRank (East Sussex)CrimesRank (East Sussex)CrimesRank (East Sussex)
Wealden835 78,960 57,086 5
Rother730 48,269 36,338 3
Hastings1,160 211,918 29,540 2
Eastbourne1,249 114,019 110,935 1

Lewes Crime Map

Detailed Crime Data Analysis

Monthly Trends

July 2025 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 266 incidents, and Anti-social behaviour was another prevalent crime category with 181 incidents.

During June 2025, The highest incident rate was for Violence and sexual offences (261 reports) and Anti-social behaviour incidents were also notably high (134 cases).

In May 2025, Violence and sexual offences dominated crime reports (291 incidents), followed by Anti-social behaviour also remained a significant concern (116 incidents).

Recorded incidents of Violence and sexual offences were the most frequent (217 incidents) were the most common in April 2025, with There was a large number of incidents involving Anti-social behaviour (135 incidents) also being high.

For March 2025 , the most reported crimes were Most crimes reported were Violence and sexual offences (265 incidents) and then Anti-social behaviour showed a substantial number of incidents (128 incidents).

February 2025 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 221 incidents, and Anti-social behaviour was another prevalent crime category with 80 incidents.

In January 2025, Violence and sexual offences recorded the highest number of incidents, totaling 5

December 2024 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 249 incidents, and Anti-social behaviour was another prevalent crime category with 84 incidents.

During November 2024, The highest incident rate was for Violence and sexual offences (213 reports) and Anti-social behaviour incidents were also notably high (92 cases).

In October 2024, Violence and sexual offences dominated crime reports (217 incidents), followed by Anti-social behaviour also remained a significant concern (99 incidents).

Recorded incidents of Violence and sexual offences were the most frequent (219 incidents) were the most common in September 2024, with There was a large number of incidents involving Anti-social behaviour (104 incidents) also being high.

For August 2024 , the most reported crimes were Most crimes reported were Violence and sexual offences (179 incidents) and then Anti-social behaviour showed a substantial number of incidents (128 incidents).

Crime TypeCountCrime RateChange

Crime by Type

A total of 37 Bicycle theft incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 3.70 incidents per month. April 2025 saw the highest number of Bicycle theft incidents with 8 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 20253
June 20255
May 20252
April 20258
March 20252
December 20243
November 20241
October 20244
September 20244
August 20245

A total of 575 Criminal damage and arson incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 52.27 incidents per month. May 2025 saw the highest number of Criminal damage and arson incidents with 69 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202541
June 202554
May 202569
April 202553
March 202552
February 202537
December 202454
November 202460
October 202448
September 202447
August 202460

A total of 586 Public order incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 53.27 incidents per month. May 2025 saw the highest number of Public order incidents with 66 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202558
June 202550
May 202566
April 202552
March 202551
February 202546
December 202434
November 202444
October 202465
September 202456
August 202464

A total of 464 Other theft incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 42.18 incidents per month. August 2024 saw the highest number of Other theft incidents with 53 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202552
June 202544
May 202544
April 202539
March 202537
February 202537
December 202447
November 202434
October 202437
September 202440
August 202453

A total of 27 Theft from the person incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 3.38 incidents per month. April 2025 saw the highest number of Theft from the person incidents with 6 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 20253
April 20256
March 20251
December 20241
November 20241
October 20245
September 20245
August 20245

A total of 219 Vehicle crime incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 19.91 incidents per month. October 2024 saw the highest number of Vehicle crime incidents with 26 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202513
June 202520
May 202523
April 202521
March 202522
February 202514
December 202424
November 20249
October 202426
September 202421
August 202426

A total of 34 Robbery incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 3.78 incidents per month. June 2025 saw the highest number of Robbery incidents with 9 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 20257
June 20259
May 20253
April 20254
March 20251
November 20244
October 20243
September 20242
August 20241

A total of 94 Possession of weapons incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 8.55 incidents per month. February 2025 saw the highest number of Possession of weapons incidents with 17 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 20254
June 202512
May 20255
April 202512
March 20259
February 202517
December 20248
November 20247
October 20247
September 20247
August 20246

A total of 2603 Violence and sexual offences incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 216.92 incidents per month. May 2025 saw the highest number of Violence and sexual offences incidents with 291 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 2025266
June 2025261
May 2025291
April 2025217
March 2025265
February 2025221
January 20255
December 2024249
November 2024213
October 2024217
September 2024219
August 2024179

A total of 170 Drugs incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 15.45 incidents per month. June 2025 saw the highest number of Drugs incidents with 25 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202517
June 202525
May 202515
April 202515
March 202512
February 202515
December 202417
November 202415
October 202416
September 20247
August 202416

A total of 1281 Anti-social behaviour incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 116.45 incidents per month. July 2025 saw the highest number of Anti-social behaviour incidents with 181 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 2025181
June 2025134
May 2025116
April 2025135
March 2025128
February 202580
December 202484
November 202492
October 202499
September 2024104
August 2024128

A total of 663 Shoplifting incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 60.27 incidents per month. September 2024 saw the highest number of Shoplifting incidents with 84 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202567
June 202545
May 202578
April 202564
March 202565
February 202541
December 202454
November 202434
October 202480
September 202484
August 202451

A total of 225 Other crime incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 20.45 incidents per month. May 2025 saw the highest number of Other crime incidents with 26 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202523
June 202521
May 202526
April 202517
March 202519
February 202516
December 202422
November 202422
October 202414
September 202419
August 202426

A total of 202 Burglary incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 18.36 incidents per month. August 2024 saw the highest number of Burglary incidents with 38 reported cases.

MonthCount
July 202516
June 202510
May 202517
April 202514
March 202511
February 202521
December 202421
November 202412
October 202422
September 202420
August 202438

High Crime Locations Lewes in July 2025

A detailed breakdown of crime incidents by location within the Lewes postcode area is presented below.

1. Prison (Map)
Total25
Violence and sexual offences10
Other crime7
Criminal damage and arson4
Drugs3
Other theft1
2. Railway Road (Map)
Total23
Shoplifting16
Anti-social behaviour4
Vehicle crime1
Robbery1
Bicycle theft1
3. Petrol Station (Map)
Total21
Other theft15
Criminal damage and arson3
Anti-social behaviour3
4. Shepherds Close (Map)
Total18
Violence and sexual offences15
Other crime3
5. St Michael'S Terrace (Map)
Total17
Anti-social behaviour14
Violence and sexual offences2
Vehicle crime1
6. Bramber Avenue (Map)
Total15
Shoplifting15

  • Contains HM Land Registry data © Crown copyright and database right 2021. This data is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
  • Contains Office for National Statistics data licensed under the Open Government Licence v.3.0
  • Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.