Walton-on-Thames Crime Rate

Walton-on-Thames is a vibrant urban area that maintains a safety profile better than the national average, despite a recent uptick in reported incidents. The current crime rate stands at 81.6 per 1,000 people, which is comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. This is supported by a safety score of 82/100, indicating a secure environment for its 28,094 residents. However, the area has seen a 14.7% increase in crime over the last year, a trend that warrants attention from the community. With a property crime rate of 27.8 per 1,000, Walton remains a safe place to live and work, provided residents take sensible precautions. This report breaks down the local data to provide a clear picture of safety and crime trends in the area.

Walton-on-Thames experiences a diverse range of criminal activity, with violence and sexual offences being the most frequent, representing 33.3% of all reports (27.2 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.9% and public order offences at 9.9%. These top three categories are common in urban centres with active town centres and transport links.

The property crime rate in Walton-on-Thames is 27.8 per 1,000 people, which is slightly below the UK average of 32.3. Shoplifting is a significant factor here, accounting for 8.2% of total crime, reflecting the area's busy retail sector. Other theft (6.3%) and vehicle crime (6.2%) also contribute notably to the property crime statistics. Interestingly, burglary is relatively low, making up just 2.7% of total reported incidents. For homeowners and residents, this indicates that while the town centre sees higher rates of business-related crime and anti-social behaviour, the direct risk of a home break-in is lower than the overall crime rate might initially suggest. Nevertheless, the prevalence of vehicle crime and general theft means that personal and property security remains a high priority for those living near the town centre or main arterial roads.

Walton-on-Thames has experienced a notable 14.7% increase in crime over the past year. Looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between a low of 5.7 in February and a peak of 8.3 in July. This summer spike is a common trend in urban areas, often linked to increased footfall and social activity.

Since the summer peak, the rate has remained relatively high, ending the year with consistent figures of 7.1 in both October and November. This upward trend suggests that the area is seeing more sustained criminal activity than in previous years. While the overall safety score remains high, this 14.7% rise indicates that residents should be more proactive about their personal and property security. The increase is likely spread across anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which often rise in tandem with urban development and economic shifts.

How To Keep Safe in Walton-on-Thames

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Walton-on-Thames, accounting for 33.3% of reports. While often occurring in private settings or specific nightlife contexts, maintaining personal awareness is key.

1. When using the town centre or the Heart shopping centre, remain aware of your surroundings, especially during busy periods when opportunistic theft can occur.
2. If you are out late in the evening, stick to well-lit routes and avoid cut-throughs or poorly lit riverside paths. Consider using a reputable taxi service for the journey home.
3. Be mindful of your vehicle's security, particularly when using public car parks or parking near the railway station, as vehicle crime accounts for 6.2% of local reports.
4. Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities promptly. This helps the police to identify hotspots and allocate resources more effectively to keep the community safe.
5. Ensure your home is clearly visible from the street and well-lit at night. Burglars and opportunistic thieves are less likely to target properties where they can be easily seen.

Crime in Walton-on-Thames follows a clear temporal cycle. During the morning hours, theft and shoplifting are the most prevalent issues, accounting for 42% of reported incidents. This aligns with the opening of the town's retail centres and the high volume of morning commuters. In the afternoon, theft remains high at 47%, while burglary risk sees its peak at 14%, often occurring when homes are left empty during the day.

The evening period sees a shift, with 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, making up 50% of reports. This is typical for a town with an active evening economy. Overnight, the focus shifts dramatically to vehicle crime, which represents 46% of all incidents between midnight and 6am. This suggests that while violent or public offences are less common in the small hours, unattended vehicles become the primary target for opportunistic criminals. Residents are encouraged to use secure parking and motion-sensitive lighting to protect vehicles during these vulnerable hours.

In a regional context, Walton-on-Thames sits at the higher end of the crime spectrum compared to its immediate neighbours, largely due to its larger population and busy retail centre. Its rate of 81.6 per 1,000 is higher than Hersham (52.2), Shepperton (68.6), and Upper Halliford (64.2). It is, however, almost identical to Sunbury-on-Thames (80.7). These comparisons highlight that Walton's crime profile is typical for a major town in the Elmbridge area. While it experiences more activity than smaller villages, it remains a significantly safer alternative to many London-fringe towns, offering a balance of urban amenities with a relatively high level of residential security.

With crime in Walton-on-Thames increasing by 14.7% year-over-year, the need for effective home security has never been more apparent. While the property crime rate of 27.8 per 1,000 is below the national average, the rising trend suggests that opportunistic crime is on the move. Traditional security systems, like standard burglar alarms or DIY cameras, often only alert you once a perimeter has been breached or provide footage after the event has occurred.

The scOS operating system offers a different approach by prioritising proactive protection. Using advanced AI, scOS monitors your property's boundaries in real-time, distinguishing between a delivery person and a potential intruder. By identifying threats before they reach your door, the system can trigger autonomous responses such as lighting and audio alerts. This immediate deterrence is crucial in an area like Walton, where vehicle crime and theft are more common than burglary. Protecting your assets on the driveway and around the home with a system that prevents crime before it happens provides a level of security that reactive recording simply cannot match.