Hersham Crime Rate

Hersham's crime profile reveals a sharp 100% year-on-year increase in bicycle theft, despite remaining 11% below the UK average. This unusual spike contrasts with an overall 12.7% decline in crime, highlighting the area's generally low crime rates. With a safety score of 88/100 and crime rates 44.5% below the national average, Hersham stands out as a very safe built-up area within Elmbridge.

Hersham is a built-up area within Elmbridge, characterised by a mix of residential housing, local amenities, and proximity to commuter routes. Its moderate population density and established community likely contribute to a balanced crime profile, with property crime and anti-social behaviour being more prevalent than violent incidents. The area's suburban nature, combined with access to nearby urban centres, may influence patterns such as vehicle crime and theft, though overall crime remains well below national averages.

The most surprising finding in Hersham's crime data is the 100% year-on-year increase in bicycle theft, despite remaining 11% below the UK average. This sharp rise may be linked to increased cycling during the pandemic, which could have led to more bikes being stored in public spaces or left unsecured. While property crime is 58.6% below the UK average, the low rates of burglary (46% below average) and vehicle crime (60% below average) suggest strong community vigilance and effective local policing. Anti-social behaviour, at 49% below the UK average, may reflect Hersham's stable residential demographics, though the 8% rise in shoplifting indicates potential vulnerabilities in retail areas. Violence and sexual offences remain 35% below the UK average, likely due to the area's suburban character and limited nightlife.

Crime in Hersham has decreased by 12.7% year-on-year, with notable declines in vehicle crime (-44.7%) and criminal damage (-48.8%). However, bicycle theft has surged by 100% YoY, marking a sharp contrast to the overall downward trend. This increase may be attributed to heightened cycling activity post-pandemic, though Hersham's rate remains 11% below the UK average. The decrease in violence and sexual offences (-8.8% YoY) and anti-social behaviour (4.0% YoY) suggests effective community policing and engagement. Seasonal patterns show a peak in May (5.7 per 1,000/month) and a trough in December (3.0 per 1,000/month), likely influenced by longer evenings and holiday retail activity.

How To Keep Safe in Hersham

Residents should secure bicycles with high-quality locks to address the 100% YoY increase in bicycle theft. For property security, consider systems that use AI to monitor your perimeter and distinguish between regular deliveries and potential threats. Given Hersham's low burglary rate (46% below UK average), proactive measures can further enhance safety. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles overnight, as vehicle crime rates are 60% below the UK average but still warrant caution. Community engagement and reporting suspicious activity remain key to maintaining the area's very safe profile.

Crime in Hersham shows distinct patterns throughout the day and week. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), likely tied to retail activity and public spaces, while vehicle crime rises sharply at night (12am–6am), possibly due to unsecured parking. Burglary incidents are most common in the evening (6pm–12am), aligning with increased home vulnerability during peak hours. The data also reveals higher 'other' crime rates at night, which may include anti-social behaviour or petty theft in less populated areas. Weekends see a slight increase in crime, particularly on Saturdays, where extended daytime activity and nightlife could contribute to higher theft and public order incidents.

Compared to nearby areas, Hersham's crime rate of 50.5 per 1,000 is significantly lower than Walton-on-Thames (82.0 per 1,000) and Esher (60.4 per 1,000). This difference may reflect Hersham's suburban character, effective policing, and stable demographics. While Esher and Weybridge (63.2 per 1,000) have higher crime rates, Hersham's lower property crime and anti-social behaviour rates suggest a more cohesive community.

For Hersham residents, maintaining the area's very safe profile involves proactive home security, scOS offers AI-driven perimeter monitoring that distinguishes between household members and potential intruders, reducing false alarms. With burglary rates 46% below the UK average, systems that detect and deter intruders before entry can provide added peace of mind. The system's ability to verify vehicle registration may also help combat the 100% YoY rise in bicycle theft by flagging suspicious vehicles near residential areas.