Crime Rate in Lewes: Trends, Hotspots

Overview of Crime in Lewes

The total recorded crimes in Lewes, UK in May 2025 are around 755 as per the recent police data. This equates to a Lewes crime rate of 7.56 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 May were:

  • Violence and sexual offences: (291) incidents (34.10% increase)
  • Anti-social behaviour: (116) incidents (-14.07% decrease)
  • Shoplifting: (78) incidents (21.88% increase)
Lewes Crime Hotspots

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

  • Prison with total crimes: 28
  • Bramber Avenue with total crimes: 23
  • Supermarket with total crimes: 16

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, Lewes Priory (102 crimes), and the safest, Newick (7 crimes), is 95 crimes. This measurable difference indicates a some disparity in safety across Lewes.

Similarly, the area of Lewes West (102 crimes) reports a significantly higher crime count compared to East Blatchington (20 crimes), with a difference of 82 crimes. This measurable difference highlights the diverse crime landscape within Lewes.

Most Dangerous Wards:

Lewes Priory102
Newhaven South66
Peacehaven West60
Lewes Bridge54
Ouse Valley & Ringmer47

Safest Wards:

Ditchling & Westmeston13
Seaford West11
Seaford North10
Wivelsfield7
Newick7

Most Dangerous Areas:

Lewes West102
Lewes Central & East85
Wivelsfield Green, Ditchling & Rodmell84
Peacehaven West74
Peacehaven East69

Safest Areas:

Ringmer, Glynde & South Heighton47
East Saltdean & Telscombe Cliffs46
Chailey, Newick & Barcombe30
Seaford Eastbourne Road26
East Blatchington20

Lewes Crime Statstics

In May 2025 the Lewes has recorded 755 crimes with crime rate of 7.56 ranking 179th 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

CityMay 202520242023
CrimesRank (East Sussex)CrimesRank (East Sussex)CrimesRank (East Sussex)
Wealden858 78,960 57,086 5
Rother619 48,269 36,338 3
Hastings1,023 211,918 29,540 2
Eastbourne1,294 114,019 110,935 1

Lewes Crime Map

Detailed Crime Data Analysis

Monthly Trends

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).

July 2024 crime data shows Violence and sexual offences saw the largest number of reported crimes with 239 incidents, and Anti-social behaviour was another prevalent crime category with 116 incidents.

During June 2024, The highest incident rate was for Violence and sexual offences (398 reports) and Anti-social behaviour incidents were also notably high (238 cases).

Crime TypeCountCrime RateChange

Crime by Type

A total of 280 Vehicle crime incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 25.45 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Vehicle crime incidents with 68 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202523
April 202521
March 202522
February 202514
December 202424
November 20249
October 202426
September 202421
August 202426
July 202426
June 202468

A total of 21 Robbery incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 2.33 incidents per month. April 2025 saw the highest number of Robbery incidents with 4 reported cases.

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

A total of 96 Possession of weapons incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 8.73 incidents per month. February 2025 saw the highest number of Possession of weapons incidents with 17 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 20255
April 202512
March 20259
February 202517
December 20248
November 20247
October 20247
September 20247
August 20246
July 20248
June 202410

A total of 698 Criminal damage and arson incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 63.45 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Criminal damage and arson incidents with 142 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202569
April 202553
March 202552
February 202537
December 202454
November 202460
October 202448
September 202447
August 202460
July 202476
June 2024142

A total of 640 Public order incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 58.18 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Public order incidents with 102 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202566
April 202552
March 202551
February 202546
December 202434
November 202444
October 202465
September 202456
August 202464
July 202460
June 2024102

A total of 508 Other theft incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 46.18 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Other theft incidents with 78 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202544
April 202539
March 202537
February 202537
December 202447
November 202434
October 202437
September 202440
August 202453
July 202462
June 202478

A total of 42 Bicycle theft incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 4.20 incidents per month. April 2025 saw the highest number of Bicycle theft incidents with 8 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 20252
April 20258
March 20252
December 20243
November 20241
October 20244
September 20244
August 20245
July 20247
June 20246

A total of 222 Burglary incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 20.18 incidents per month. August 2024 saw the highest number of Burglary incidents with 38 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202517
April 202514
March 202511
February 202521
December 202421
November 202412
October 202422
September 202420
August 202438
July 202426
June 202420

A total of 246 Other crime incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 22.36 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Other crime incidents with 38 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202526
April 202517
March 202519
February 202516
December 202422
November 202422
October 202414
September 202419
August 202426
July 202427
June 202438

A total of 776 Shoplifting incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 70.55 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Shoplifting incidents with 142 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202578
April 202564
March 202565
February 202541
December 202454
November 202434
October 202480
September 202484
August 202451
July 202483
June 2024142

A total of 1320 Anti-social behaviour incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 120.00 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Anti-social behaviour incidents with 238 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 2025116
April 2025135
March 2025128
February 202580
December 202484
November 202492
October 202499
September 2024104
August 2024128
July 2024116
June 2024238

A total of 146 Drugs incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 13.27 incidents per month. December 2024 saw the highest number of Drugs incidents with 17 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 202515
April 202515
March 202512
February 202515
December 202417
November 202415
October 202416
September 20247
August 202416
July 20244
June 202414

A total of 2713 Violence and sexual offences incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 226.08 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Violence and sexual offences incidents with 398 reported cases.

MonthCount
May 2025291
April 2025217
March 2025265
February 2025221
January 20255
December 2024249
November 2024213
October 2024217
September 2024219
August 2024179
July 2024239
June 2024398

A total of 32 Theft from the person incidents were recorded over 12 month period, averaging 4.00 incidents per month. June 2024 saw the highest number of Theft from the person incidents with 8 reported cases.

MonthCount
April 20256
March 20251
December 20241
November 20241
October 20245
September 20245
August 20245
June 20248

High Crime Locations Lewes in May 2025

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

1. Prison (Map)
Total28
Violence and sexual offences13
Other crime8
Criminal damage and arson4
Other theft2
Possession of weapons1
2. Bramber Avenue (Map)
Total23
Shoplifting23
3. Supermarket (Map)
Total16
Shoplifting14
Anti-social behaviour2
4. Railway Road (Map)
Total13
Shoplifting11
Other crime1
Drugs1
5. St. Helena Lane (Map)
Total12
Violence and sexual offences9
Anti-social behaviour3
6. East Street (Map)
Total12
Public order6
Criminal damage and arson6

To know about postcode areas in Lewes, visit Lewes information

  • 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
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