Walton-on-Thames Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 marked a notable shift in Walton-on-Thames’ crime profile, with the area’s overall crime rate rising to 6.4 per 1,000 residents — 14.7% below the UK average of 7.5. This figure, while higher than October’s 5.4, still places the area among the safer parts of the country. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 26.3% of all incidents (47 cases), a rate (1.7 per 1,000) 34% below the UK average. This may reflect the area’s suburban character, where community policing and local engagement could contribute to lower rates of violent crime. Public order offences (24 cases) stood out as a significant concern, with their rate (0.9 per 1,000) 70% above the UK average. This could be tied to November’s darker evenings and the timing of events such as Bonfire Night, which often see spikes in disturbances. Anti-social behaviour (22 cases) followed closely, though its rate (0.8 per 1,000) remained 24% below the UK average, suggesting local efforts may be effective in managing such incidents. The seasonal context of November — with its shorter days and peak shopping events — likely influenced patterns, as Black Friday activity may have reduced foot traffic in retail areas, affecting shoplifting rates. However, the 36.4% decrease in shoplifting (from 11 to 7 cases) contrasts with the 140% rise in burglary, which may indicate a shift in criminal activity toward residential targets. This dynamic highlights the combination of local factors and broader trends, with the area’s relatively low overall crime rate persisting despite these fluctuations.

November saw a 300% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from two to eight incidents. This surge, while significant, remains below the UK average for drugs (0.2 per 1,000), though the local rate (0.3 per 1,000) indicates a sharp upward trend. Public order offences (24 incidents) were 70% above the UK average, likely linked to November’s shorter evenings and events like Bonfire Night. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 36.4% (from 11 to 7), possibly due to reduced foot traffic during Black Friday compared to earlier in the month. Robbery rates dropped 50%, with only one incident reported, a stark contrast to October’s two cases. The area’s burglary rate (12 incidents) rose 140%, but remains below the UK average for the category. These shifts underscore the influence of seasonal activity and localised factors on crime patterns.

Walton-on-Thames’ crime rate in November 2023 rose 18.6% compared to October, moving from 5.4 to 6.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase aligns with seasonal patterns, as November’s shorter evenings and events like Bonfire Night may heighten opportunities for public order incidents and anti-social behaviour. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly six crimes per day, a figure that reflects local dynamics rather than broader national trends. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 157 residents, a rate that remains below the UK average despite the month-on-month rise. This suggests that while local factors are driving increases in specific categories, the area’s overall safety profile remains comparatively strong. The population context further illustrates that even with the rise in certain crimes, the absolute number of incidents is manageable within the community’s size.