Hersham Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Hersham’s crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents in October 2023 places it 45% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This built-up area within Elmbridge shows a distinct profile compared to national trends, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 37.7% of reported crimes—41% below the UK average for that category. Anti-social behaviour (16.4%) and public order offences (11.5%) also remain significantly lower than national benchmarks, reflecting a pattern consistent with suburban communities where social cohesion and community policing efforts may play a role. Seasonal factors appear to influence certain crime types: as clocks went back and evenings darkened, the 10% increase in violence and sexual offences aligns with patterns observed in similar areas during autumn, when reduced visibility and increased indoor activity can create conditions for targeted incidents. Shoplifting—a category typically driven by retail environments—remained 83% below the UK average, suggesting that Hersham’s local retail landscape may not be a major draw for such offences. The overall crime picture illustrates a community where property crimes (19 cases) and violent crimes (23 cases) are balanced, but neither category dominates to the extent seen in larger urban centres. This data underscores Hersham’s position as a relatively low-crime area, though the seasonal context of October—with its shorter days and Halloween-related activity—may have influenced specific crime patterns that warrant closer analysis.

October 2023 saw significant fluctuations in crime types, with vehicle crime tripling from 2 to 6 cases—a 200% increase—potentially linked to seasonal changes in vehicle usage or local events. Bicycle theft also doubled from 0 to 3 cases, a trend that could reflect increased cycling during colder months or vulnerabilities in local bike storage infrastructure. Conversely, other crime categories saw marked declines: other crime dropped by two-thirds (from 3 to 1 cases), and drug-related offences fell by 50% (from 2 to 1 cases), suggesting possible reductions in illicit activity or improved enforcement. The balance between property and violent crime shifted slightly, with violent crimes (23 cases) slightly outnumbering property crimes (19 cases)—a reversal from earlier in the year. This shift may indicate seasonal pressures on community safety, though the overall rate remains well below national averages. For residents, the 100% increase in bicycle theft highlights a specific vulnerability, suggesting that local initiatives to enhance bike security could be a practical next step. Meanwhile, the continued suppression of anti-social behaviour—45% below the UK average—points to effective community engagement strategies that may be worth replicating in other areas.

Hersham’s crime rate rose by 7.1% from 4.1 per 1,000 in September to 4.4 per 1,000 in October, reflecting a modest upward trend that remains far below the UK average. Over the course of the month, this equated to roughly 2 crimes reported per day—a frequency that contrasts sharply with the UK’s much higher daily crime rates. On a population-scaled basis, the 1-in-230 resident exposure to crime in October highlights the area’s relative safety, particularly when compared to larger urban centres where such ratios are often significantly worse. This monthly exposure figure, while low, must be contextualised within Hersham’s demographic profile: as a built-up area with a population of 14,003, the community’s density and infrastructure may contribute to both the efficiency of policing and the visibility of crime prevention efforts. The 7.1% increase from September, though statistically significant, does not indicate a dramatic shift in crime dynamics—rather, it aligns with the natural variability seen in suburban areas where crime rates can fluctuate seasonally. For residents, this data reinforces the importance of maintaining vigilance during periods of increased darkness and social activity, while also underscoring the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures that have kept Hersham’s rate well below national benchmarks.