Reports of criminal activity in Eastbourne’s Seaside area rose sharply in June, approaching a near three‑year high, according to data published by Sussex Police.
What the figures show
Police logged 143 reports in June for the geographical area that covers much of Eastbourne’s beach and part of the A259 Seaside (the figure does not include incidents on the pier). That is the highest monthly total in the area since August 2023, when 166 crimes were recorded.
Almost a quarter of all crimes reported in the Seaside area over the past 12 months occurred in the two most recent months: 135 were reported in May and 143 in June.
| Month | Reports |
|---|---|
| May (last 12 months) | 135 |
| June | 143 |
| August 2023 (highest since) | 166 |
Types of offences recorded
Breakdown of the June reports in the Seaside area shows a range of offences, with violence and public‑order matters prominent:
- 49 reports of violence and sexual offences
- 44 reports of anti‑social behaviour
- 13 reports of criminal damage
- 13 reports relating to arson and public order offences
The Seaside area covers Royal Parade (the promenade), Princes Park and Seaside Rec and Playground, as well as stretches of the seafront. The figures cover both incidents involving visitors and those potentially affecting local residents.
How other parts of Eastbourne compared
Elsewhere in the town there were mixed trends. The town centre saw a reduction in June to 397 reports, down from 488 in May (the May figure was the highest since July 2023, when 520 were recorded). The Meads area recorded 31 reports in June — the most in a month since May 2025 when there were 35.
Other wards, including Ratton and Upperton, recorded slight increases in June. Conversely, areas such as Rodmill, Motcombe, St Anthony’s and Langney Point, and Sovereign Harbour saw fewer reports in June than in recent months.
What this means locally
The rise in reports on the seafront and promenade is significant for residents, businesses and visitors who use these public spaces regularly. Higher counts of violence, anti‑social behaviour and property offences can affect perceptions of safety and the experience of the town centre and seaside areas, particularly in the summer months when footfall increases.
Sussex Police have been approached for comment on the figures. Community groups, councillors and local business representatives typically monitor monthly crime data closely; changes in reported incidents can inform policing patrol patterns, community safety initiatives and partnership work between the council and voluntary groups.
Residents concerned about trends in their area can report non‑emergency incidents to Sussex Police via their website or by calling the non‑emergency number. In an emergency or where a crime is in progress, always call 999.
