Crime statistics play a vital role in decision-making processes for individuals and businesses alike. Whether you’re considering moving your family or establishing a new enterprise in the South East of England, these figures provide crucial insights for your research.
As a leading security services provider in the UK, we recognize the significance of these statistics in helping you make informed choices about your future location. This guide examines key crime data for the South East region, focusing on information relevant to both residential and commercial security. We’ll analyze the safety levels across different areas in this part of England, giving you a clear picture of the current situation.
Our goal is to present you with a thorough overview of crime trends in the South East, enabling you to assess potential risks and make decisions that prioritize the safety of your home or business. Let’s examine the facts and figures that shape the security landscape of this region.
Blog Outline
ToggleHow We Gather Crime Statistics
Our analysis relies on local, open-source police reports and data from the independent aggregator Brighton Analytics. This approach ensures an unbiased overview of every district in the South East. The information presented covers the last calendar year, offering the most current data available.
We present the statistics as a ratio of crimes per 1,000 residents. This method provides a clearer picture of each area, accounting for population and size differences while accurately reflecting the safety and security levels.
Read Also: A Complete Overview Of Crime In South West England (2024 Updated)
Our examination covers all major towns and cities across the South East, highlighting the most common crimes in each area.
Crime Rates in the South East
The South East of England boasts a rich tapestry of attractions, from Brighton’s Royal Pavilion to Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower. The region is known for its stunning countryside, vibrant communities, and nightlife. Kent’s white cliffs showcase where heritage meets the sea, and UNESCO-protected areas dot the landscape. The region’s numerous castles and stately homes speak to its deep historical roots.
Crime Statistics for Key Towns in the South East
Aldershot Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 86.6 Crimes Per 1000 People
Aldershot, known for its strong military connections, faces security challenges with its above-average crime rate. The town reports:
- Violent crimes: 2,292 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 783 offences
- Shoplifting: 331 offences (25% higher than county average)
Andover Crime Data
Overall Crime Rate: 106.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Despite its rich history, Andover grapples with a high crime rate. Key figures include:
- Violent crime: 2,449 incidents
- Public order offences: 635 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 579 incidents
Ashford Crime Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 108.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
This Kent retail hub, attracting 3 million visitors annually, sees significant criminal activity:
- Violent crime: 3,905 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,391 offences
- Bicycle theft: 126 offences (1.5 times the county average)
Aylesbury Crime Facts
Overall Crime Rate: 89.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Aylesbury, a cultural center in Buckinghamshire, reports concerning figures:
- Violent crime: 2,998 incidents
- Public order offences: 946 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 607 incidents
Banbury Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 121.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
This historic market town in Oxfordshire faces significant security issues:
- Violent crime: 2,784 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 670 offences
- Criminal damage: 530 offences
Basingstoke Crime Data
Overall Crime Rate: 85.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Despite its thriving economy, Basingstoke reports notable crime figures:
- Violent crime: 4,942 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,454 incidents
- Public order offences: 1,212 incidents
Bexhill Crime Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 64.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
This Sussex coastal town maintains a lower crime rate but still faces challenges:
- Violent crime: 1,344 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 563 offences
- Criminal damage: 464 offences (25% above county average)
Bicester Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 102.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
This growing Oxfordshire town reports concerning figures:
- Violent crime: 1,078 incidents
- Shoplifting: 788 incidents (4.5 times the county average)
Bognor Regis Crime Data
Overall Crime Rate: 110 Crimes Per 1000 People
This popular Sussex resort town faces significant security issues:
- Violent crime: 1,291 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 484 offences
Bracknell Crime Overview
Overall Crime Rate: 70.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
This Berkshire town maintains a lower crime rate but still reports:
- Violent crime: 2,720 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 717 incidents
- Public order offences: 698 incidents
This charming corner of England maintains a crime rate that aligns with its more relaxed pace of life. With 78.8 crimes per 1,000 residents, the South East ranks among the top 3 safest regions in the UK. However, this doesn’t mean the area is entirely free from criminal activity.
Significant figures in certain crime categories underscore the ongoing need for effective security measures:
- Violent crime: 295,016 incidents
- Theft: 205,441 incidents
- Public order offences: 80,259 incidents
It’s worth noting that crime rates vary across different areas within the South East. Let’s examine how the major areas of the region compare to the regional average.
Brighton
Overall Crime Rate: 103.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Brighton, known for its iconic piers and waterfronts, faces significant security challenges. The city’s crime rate of 103.3 per 1000 residents reveals a complex reality beneath its attractive surface. Major concerns include:
- Violent crime: 9,293 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 4,429 offences
These figures highlight the need for robust security measures in Brighton.
Burgess Hill
Overall Crime Rate: 53.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Burgess Hill, a business hub in Sussex, maintains a relatively low crime rate of 53.7 per 1000 residents. However, there’s been a steady increase since 2016, with notable statistics including:
- Violent crime: 694 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 303 offences
- Criminal damage: 269 offences (20% higher than county average)
Camberley
Overall Crime Rate: 65.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
Camberley, known for its military connections and proximity to Windsor Park, has a crime rate of 65.1 per 1000 residents. Key areas of concern include:
- Violent crime: 1,014 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 596 incidents
- Criminal damage: 258 incidents
Canterbury
Overall Crime Rate: 100.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Canterbury, famous for its historical significance and stunning architecture, faces an above-average crime rate of 100.9 per 1000 residents. Notable figures include:
- Violent crime: 7,516 offences
- Criminal damage: 1,931 offences
Chatham
Overall Crime Rate: 123.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Chatham, overlooking the River Medway, has a high crime rate of 123.3 per 1000 residents. Key statistics include:
- Violent crime: 5,072 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,637 incidents
- Criminal damage: 1,134 incidents
- Robbery: 117 incidents (double the county average)
Chichester
Overall Crime Rate: 135.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Chichester, despite its rich history, faces a high crime rate of 135.2 per 1000 residents. Significant figures include:
- Violent crime: 1,333 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 569 incidents
- Shoplifting: 530 incidents
- Bicycle theft: 277 incidents (5 times the county average)
Crawley
Overall Crime Rate: 95.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Crawley, a modern market town, has a crime rate of 95.9 per 1000 residents. Key areas of concern:
- Violent offences: 4,642 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,534 incidents
- Public order offences: 1,318 incidents
Deal
Overall Crime Rate: 76.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Deal, a seaside town in Kent, has a crime rate of 76.5 per 1000 residents. Notable statistics include:
- Violent crime: 862 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 228 incidents
- Bicycle theft: 16 incidents (20% above county average)
Dover
Overall Crime Rate: 168.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Dover, famous for its white cliffs, faces a high crime rate of 168.2 per 1000 residents. Significant figures include:
- Violent crime: 2,971 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,010 offences
- Criminal damage: 626 offences
East Grinstead
Overall Crime Rate: 45.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
East Grinstead maintains a low crime rate of 45.4 per 1000 residents. Areas for improvement include:
- Violent crime: 530 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 298 incidents
Recent trends show positive progress in reducing these numbers.
Eastbourne
Overall Crime Rate: 84.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Eastbourne, a popular seaside destination, has a crime rate of 84.3 per 1000 residents. Key concerns include:
- Violent crime: 4,414 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1,808 incidents
- Public order offences: 1,251 incidents
These statistics emphasize the importance of effective security measures in Eastbourne.
Eastleigh Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 112 Crimes Per 1000 People
Eastleigh, situated along the Itchen river, attracts visitors with its riverside amenities and shopping opportunities. However, its crime rate stands at 112 crimes per 1000 residents.
Key concerns include:
- Violent crime: 1392 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 405 incidents
- Public order offences: 380 incidents
- Bicycle theft: 129 incidents (double the county average)
Epsom Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 76.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Epsom, known for its horse racing heritage and green spaces, has seen its crime rate rise to 76.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
Notable statistics:
- Violent crime: 998 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 768 incidents
- Criminal damage: 267 incidents
- Theft from person: 55 incidents (nearly triple the county average)
Esher Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 50 Crimes Per 1000 People
Esher, a quiet Surrey town famous for its parks and racecourses, has a relatively low crime rate of 50 crimes per 1000 residents.
Key areas of concern:
- Violent crime: 995 incidents
- Antisocal behaviour: 475 incidents
- Public order offences: 315 incidents
Ewell Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 48.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Ewell, rich in Bronze Age and Roman history, boasts a lower crime rate of 48.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Main crime types:
- Violent crime: 1071 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 626 incidents
- Public order offences: 325 incidents
Fareham and Locks Heath Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 57.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Fareham, a prosperous port town near Portsmouth, maintains a stable crime rate of 57.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Significant crime categories:
- Violent crime: 3122 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 998 incidents
- Public order offences: 828 incidents
Farnborough Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 82.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Farnborough, Hampshire, sees about 82.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
Notable crime types:
- Violent crimes: 2342 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 885 offences
- Vehicle crime: 473 offences (30% higher than county average)
Fleet Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 53.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Fleet, an affluent Hampshire town, has a stable crime rate of 53.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Key statistics:
- Violent crime: 540 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 173 incidents
- Bicycle theft: 41 incidents (15% higher than county average)
Folkestone Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 124.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Folkestone, a coastal town in Kent, has one of the higher crime rates in the county at 124.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Significant figures:
- Violent crime: 3021 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 1101 offences
- Criminal damage: 648 offences
- Drug crime: 236 offences (double the county average)
Gillingham Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 107 Crimes Per 1000 People
Gillingham, known for its naval history, has an above-average crime rate of 107 crimes per 1000 residents.
Key concerns:
- Violent crime: 5672 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1733 incidents
- Criminal damage: 1435 incidents
Gosport Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 89.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Gosport, with strong naval ties, has a crime rate of 89.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Main issues:
- Violent crime: 4028 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1376 incidents
- Public order offences: 893 incidents
Gravesend Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 118.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Gravesend, a key commuter town for London, has a crime rate of 118.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Notable figures:
- Violent crime: 3240 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 1249 offences
- Criminal damage: 760 offences
Guildford Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 78.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
Guildford, a historic Surrey town, maintains a stable crime rate of 78.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Key statistics:
- Violent crime: 2620 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 1534 offences
- Shoplifting: 669 offences (double the county average)
Hastings Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 102.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
Hastings, famous for its historical battle, has a high crime rate of 102.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
Significant figures:
- Violent crime: 4264 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1655 incidents
- Public order offences: 1216 incidents
Havant Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 88 Crimes Per 1000 People
Havant, a growing town, has a crime rate of approximately 88 crimes per 1000 residents.
Main concerns:
- Violent crime: 5529 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 1629 incidents (Both 10% higher than county average)
Haywards Heath Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 45.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Haywards Heath, a quiet Sussex town, has one of the lowest crime rates in the region at 45.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Key issues:
- Violent crime: 629 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 238 incidents
- Public order offences: 188 incidents
Herne Bay Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 72 Crimes Per 1000 People
Herne Bay, a Kentish coastal town, has a crime rate of 72 crimes per 1000 residents.
Notable figures:
- Violent crime: 1494 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 494 offences
- Burglary: 162 offences (10% above county average)
High Wycombe Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 87.9 Crimes Per 1000 People
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire’s largest town, has a crime rate of 87.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
Key concerns:
- Violent crime: 3750 incidents
- Theft: 1129 incidents
- Public order offences: 1122 incidents
Horsham Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 85 Crimes Per 1000 People
Horsham, a historic Sussex market town, has a crime rate of 85 crimes per 1000 residents.
Main issues:
- Violent crime: 912 offences
- Antisocial behaviour: 409 offences
- Shoplifting: 346 offences
Leatherhead Crime Statistics
Overall Crime Rate: 54.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
Leatherhead, a town with Iron Age roots, has a lower crime rate of 54.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Key statistics:
- Violent crime: 707 incidents
- Antisocial behaviour: 415 incidents
- Public order offences: 226 incidents
Littlehampton
Overall Crime Rate: 98 Crimes Per 1000 People
Littlehampton, known for its industrial harbor and green spaces, faces significant security challenges. The town reports:
- Violent crime: 1233 offences
- Antisocial behavior: 610 offences
- Criminal damage: 395 offences
Maidenhead
Overall Crime Rate: 66.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
Despite its popularity and connection to the River Thames, Maidenhead grapples with:
- Violent crime: 1934 incidents
- Public order offences: 529 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 444 incidents
Maidstone
Overall Crime Rate: 95.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
As Kent’s largest town, Maidstone struggles with:
- Violent crime: 5721 offences
- Antisocial behavior: 1828 offences
- Drug crime: 327 offences (25% higher than county average)
Medway
Overall Crime Rate: 116.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
This historically rich district faces serious crime issues:
- Violent crime: 11,430 offences
- Criminal damage: 3699 offences
- Theft: 2356 offences
These three categories account for over 59% of total crime in the region.
Milton Keynes
Overall Crime Rate: 104.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
This young city contends with:
- Violent crime: 8360 incidents
- Public order offences: 2257 incidents
- Criminal damage: 1731 incidents
Newbury
Overall Crime Rate: 104.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
Newbury, known for its diverse architecture, reports:
- Violent crime: 1460 incidents
- Public order offences: 582 incidents
- Drug offences: 142 incidents (double the countywide average)
Oxford
Overall Crime Rate: 104.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
The prestigious university city faces:
- Violent crime: 6268 incidents
- Public order offences: 2183 incidents
- Theft: 1484 incidents
Portsmouth
Overall Crime Rate: 122.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
This prominent coastal city reports:
- Violent crime: 12,994 incidents
- Public order offences: 3490 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 3392 incidents
- Robbery: 288 incidents (double the countywide average)
Ramsgate
Overall Crime Rate: 136.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
This tourism hotspot faces severe crime issues:
- Violent crime: 3011 offences
- Antisocial behavior: 962 offences
- Criminal damage: 683 offences
Redhill
Overall Crime Rate: 70.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
Despite its lower crime rate, Redhill still faces:
- Violent crime: 1136 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 637 incidents
- Public order offences: 351 incidents
Reading
Overall Crime Rate: 93.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
This technology hub reports:
- Violent crime: 9702 offences
- Antisocial behavior: 2348 offences
- Bicycle theft: 979 offences (60% higher than Berkshire average)
Rochester
Overall Crime Rate: 105.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
This historic town grapples with:
- Violent crime: 3566 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 1044 incidents
- Criminal damage: 633 incidents
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Overall Crime Rate: 70.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
Despite its royal status, the town faces:
- Violent crime: 2001 offences
- Antisocial behavior: 680 offences
- Criminal damage: 429 offences
Sevenoaks
Overall Crime Rate: 71.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
This quintessential Kent town reports:
- Violent crime: 546 incidents
- Theft: 224 incidents
Shoreham-By-Sea
Overall Crime Rate: 57.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
This coastal town experiences:
- Violent crime: 38 crimes
- Vehicle crimes: 20 offences
- Antisocial behavior: 15 offences
Sittingbourne
Overall Crime Rate: 102.4 Crimes Per 1000 People
This industrial town faces:
- Violent crime: 2710 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 1124 incidents
- Shoplifting: 543 incidents (70% higher than regional average)
Southampton
Overall Crime Rate: 134.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
This major port city reports:
- Violent crime: 16,065 incidents
- Public order offences: 4346 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 4108 incidents
- Theft from the person: 338 incidents (double the regionwide average)
Slough
Overall Crime Rate: 110.2 Crimes Per 1000 People
This business hub faces:
- Violent crime: 7491 offences
- Antisocial behavior: 1863 offences
- Robbery: 185 offences (almost double the county average)
Walton-on-Thames
Overall Crime Rate: 66.7 Crimes Per 1000 People
This affluent town reports:
- Violent crime: 1907 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 1030 incidents
- Public order offences: 554 incidents
Winchester
Overall Crime Rate: 66.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
This cathedral city experiences:
- Violent crime: 3064 incidents
- Public order offences: 1055 incidents
Windsor
Overall Crime Rate: 100.5 Crimes Per 1000 People
The royal city faces:
- Violent crime: 1223 incidents
- Public order offences: 444 incidents
- Weapon possession: 59 incidents (triple the regionwide average)
Witney
Overall Crime Rate: 74.3 Crimes Per 1000 People
This market town reports:
- Violent crime: 891 offences
- Antisocial behavior: 311 offences
- Theft: 275 offences
Woking
Overall Crime Rate: 58.1 Crimes Per 1000 People
This thriving town experiences:
- Violent crime: 2529 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 1565 incidents
- Public order offences: 721 incidents
Wokingham
Overall Crime Rate: 61.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
This market town reports:
- Violent crime: 826 incidents
- Shoplifting: 400 incidents
- Antisocial behavior: 269 incidents
Worthing
Overall Crime Rate: 85.8 Crimes Per 1000 People
This coastal town faces:
- Violent crime: 3518 offences
- Antisocial behavior: 1394 offences
- Shoplifting: 1639 offences
- Bicycle theft: 354 offences (almost double the county average)