Crime in Lewes district: statistics, rates and trends
7,407 crimes were recorded in Lewes district in the 12 months to July 2026, 72.4 per 1,000 residents. That is lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 4% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Lewes district at a glance
- Crime trends in Lewes district
- Types of crime in Lewes district
- Lewes district compared with nearby districts
- Areas within Lewes district
- Streets with the most crime in Lewes district
- What happened after crimes were reported in Lewes district
- Population and deprivation in Lewes district
- Questions about crime in Lewes district
- About this data
7,407 crimes were recorded in Lewes district in the 12 months to July 2026, 72.4 per 1,000 residents. That is lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and up 4% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 2,570 reports (35% of the total).
Of the 308 districts covered by this site, Lewes district has the 213th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Lewes district | East Sussex | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 7,407 | 50,773 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 72.4 | 90.5 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | +4% | +8% | -1% |
| Population | 102,363 | 560,882 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Lewes district was highest in the year to July 2020 (7,662 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2023 (6,801). Over the whole period it rose 5%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.
| Period | Crimes | Per 1,000 | England and Wales per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to July 2026 | 7,407 | 72.4 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 7,104 | 69.4 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 6,993 | 68.3 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 6,801 | 66.4 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 6,859 | 67.0 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 7,456 | 72.8 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 7,662 | 74.9 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 7,548 | 73.7 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 7,030 | 68.7 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 790 |
| June 2026 | 748 |
| May 2026 | 751 |
| April 2026 | 645 |
| March 2026 | 602 |
| February 2026 | 527 |
| January 2026 | 543 |
| December 2025 | 505 |
| November 2025 | 554 |
| October 2025 | 558 |
| September 2025 | 564 |
| August 2025 | 620 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Lewes district over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. The largest increases were in bicycle theft (+41%) and anti-social behaviour (+37%).
The largest falls were in vehicle crime (-26%) and shoplifting (-23%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 2,570 | 25.1 | 0.73 | +0% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 1,746 | 17.1 | 1.11 | +37% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 648 | 6.3 | 0.93 | +12% |
| Public order | 563 | 5.5 | 0.83 | -2% |
| Shoplifting | 528 | 5.2 | 0.62 | -23% |
| Other theft | 366 | 3.6 | 0.56 | -16% |
| Other crime | 245 | 2.4 | 1.13 | +11% |
| Drugs | 203 | 2.0 | 0.61 | +22% |
| Burglary | 185 | 1.8 | 0.51 | -8% |
| Vehicle crime | 162 | 1.6 | 0.32 | -26% |
| Possession of weapons | 76 | 0.7 | 0.76 | -20% |
| Bicycle theft | 41 | 0.4 | 0.49 | +41% |
| Robbery | 40 | 0.4 | 0.29 | +21% |
| Theft from the person | 34 | 0.3 | 0.20 | +17% |
Violence and sexual offences in Lewes district
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Lewes district recorded 2,570 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (25.1 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and almost unchanged on the year before. It made up 34.7% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Lewes district
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Lewes district recorded 1,746 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (17.1 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and up 37% on the year before. It made up 23.6% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Lewes district
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Lewes district recorded 648 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.3 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and up 12% on the year before. It made up 8.7% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Lewes district
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Lewes district recorded 563 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.5 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and down 2% on the year before. It made up 7.6% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Lewes district
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Lewes district recorded 528 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (5.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 23% on the year before. It made up 7.1% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Lewes district
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Lewes district recorded 366 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and down 16% on the year before. It made up 4.9% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Lewes district
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Lewes district recorded 245 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.4 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and up 11% on the year before. It made up 3.3% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Lewes district
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Lewes district recorded 203 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.0 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and up 22% on the year before. It made up 2.7% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Lewes district
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Lewes district recorded 185 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.8 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and down 8% on the year before. It made up 2.5% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Lewes district
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Lewes district recorded 162 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.6 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and down 26% on the year before. It made up 2.2% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Lewes district
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Lewes district recorded 76 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and down 20% on the year before. It made up 1.0% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Lewes district
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Lewes district recorded 41 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and up 41% on the year before. It made up 0.6% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Lewes district
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Lewes district recorded 40 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and up 21% on the year before. It made up 0.5% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Lewes district
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Lewes district recorded 34 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.3 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and up 17% on the year before. It made up 0.5% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the districts closest to Lewes district, for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Lewes district.
| District | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Rate vs Lewes district |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton and Hove | 35,086 | 123.6 | +71% |
| Wealden | 9,033 | 54.1 | -25% |
| Eastbourne | 14,399 | 138.1 | +91% |
| Adur | 4,479 | 69.0 | -5% |
| Mid Sussex | 9,703 | 60.0 | -17% |
| Worthing | 11,373 | 99.9 | +38% |
| Horsham | 8,524 | 56.3 | -22% |
| Crawley | 16,076 | 129.6 | +79% |
35 areas within Lewes district, ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Newhaven South had the highest rate (166.7 per 1,000) and Newick the lowest (21.3). Busy town and city centres often show high rates because many of the people there do not live there.
| Area | Type | Population | Crimes | Per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newhaven South | Neighbourhood | 7,301 | 1,217 | 166.7 |
| Lewes Bridge | Neighbourhood | 4,970 | 758 | 152.5 |
| Newhaven | Town | 15,016 | 2,021 | 134.6 |
| Newhaven North | Neighbourhood | 6,099 | 689 | 113.0 |
| Lewes | Town | 16,439 | 1,813 | 110.3 |
| Lewes Priory | Neighbourhood | 6,975 | 682 | 97.8 |
| Peacehaven West | Neighbourhood | 4,515 | 408 | 90.4 |
| Lewes Castle | Neighbourhood | 4,494 | 373 | 83.0 |
| Seaford Central | Neighbourhood | 5,031 | 378 | 75.1 |
| Peacehaven | Town | 16,165 | 1,166 | 72.1 |
| Peacehaven East | Neighbourhood | 6,165 | 414 | 67.2 |
| Seaford South | Neighbourhood | 4,345 | 276 | 63.5 |
| Peacehaven North | Neighbourhood | 5,485 | 344 | 62.7 |
| Kingston | Neighbourhood | 2,006 | 119 | 59.3 |
| Ouse Valley & Ringmer | Neighbourhood | 6,914 | 402 | 58.1 |
| Ringmer | Town | 3,770 | 212 | 56.2 |
| Telscombe Cliffs | Town | 4,684 | 247 | 52.7 |
| Broyle Side | Town | 1,528 | 75 | 49.1 |
| Seaford | Town | 23,907 | 1,143 | 47.8 |
| Plumpton, Streat, East Chiltington & St John | Neighbourhood | 2,240 | 103 | 46.0 |
| East Saltdean & Telscombe Cliffs | Neighbourhood | 7,486 | 317 | 42.3 |
| Barcombe Cross | Town | 2,342 | 98 | 41.8 |
| South Chailey | Town | 1,172 | 46 | 39.2 |
| Seaford East | Neighbourhood | 5,026 | 195 | 38.8 |
| Chailey, Barcombe & Hamsey | Neighbourhood | 5,432 | 200 | 36.8 |
| Wivelsfield | Neighbourhood | 3,150 | 106 | 33.7 |
| Seaford North | Neighbourhood | 5,061 | 162 | 32.0 |
| Seaford West | Neighbourhood | 4,444 | 132 | 29.7 |
| North Chailey | Town | 1,918 | 56 | 29.2 |
| Ditchling | Town | 2,640 | 77 | 29.2 |
| Ditchling & Westmeston | Neighbourhood | 2,640 | 77 | 29.2 |
| Plumpton Green | Town | 1,104 | 30 | 27.2 |
| East Saltdean | Town | 2,802 | 70 | 25.0 |
| Newick | Town | 2,584 | 55 | 21.3 |
| Newick | Neighbourhood | 2,584 | 55 | 21.3 |
Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Lewes district over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Parking Area | 405 |
| On or near Supermarket | 339 |
| On or near Prison | 195 |
| On or near Railway Road | 162 |
| On or near St Michael'S Terrace | 147 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 147 |
| On or near Eastgate Wharf | 108 |
| On or near Sports/Recreation Area | 92 |
| On or near Police Station | 69 |
| On or near Bramber Avenue | 58 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Lewes district over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.
| Outcome | Crimes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation complete; no suspect identified | 2,364 | 31.9% |
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 1,818 | 24.5% |
| Not recorded | 1,746 | 23.6% |
| Under investigation | 592 | 8.0% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 239 | 3.2% |
| Status update unavailable | 199 | 2.7% |
| Local resolution | 188 | 2.5% |
| Court result unavailable | 69 | 0.9% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 61 | 0.8% |
| Further action is not in the public interest | 39 | 0.5% |
| Offender given a caution | 38 | 0.5% |
| Further investigation is not in the public interest | 28 | 0.4% |
Lewes district has an estimated population of 102,363. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Lewes district sits in decile 6.2, close to the middle. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Lewes district |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 16.2% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 56.8% |
| Aged 65 and over | 27.0% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 72.1% |
| Social rented homes | 10.9% |
| Private rented homes | 16.9% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 6.2 |
Is Lewes district a safe place to live?
Lewes district recorded 72.4 crimes per 1,000 residents in the 12 months to July 2026, lower than the England and Wales rate of 96.4. Crime is concentrated in a small number of places within most areas, often busy centres and transport hubs, so the rate for a single street can differ a lot from the area as a whole.
What is the most common crime in Lewes district?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 2,570 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (1,746).
Is crime in Lewes district going up or down?
Recorded crime in Lewes district was up 4% on the year before: 7,407 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 7,104 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Lewes district?
Lewes district is policed by Sussex. Non-emergency crimes can be reported online to the force or by calling 101; in an emergency call 999.
How are these crime rates calculated?
Each rate is the number of crimes recorded by the police in the 12 months to July 2026, divided by the resident population and multiplied by 1,000. Crime data is from data.police.uk and population estimates are from the Office for National Statistics.
Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Lewes district. Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.