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

For a population of 28,094 residents, Walton-on-Thames recorded 243 crimes in September 2023, translating to a crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 people. This figure places the area 8.7% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, though the distribution of crime types reveals nuanced patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31.3% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.5% and public order offences at 11.1%. These figures align with the area’s seasonal context, as September marks the start of the academic year, potentially increasing tensions in shared spaces or public areas. The prominence of public order offences, which are 61% above the UK average, may reflect the area’s mix of residential and commercial zones, where interactions between students, commuters, and local residents could contribute to disputes. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates were 11% below the UK average, indicating effective retail security measures or a lower concentration of high-footfall areas compared to other parts of the UK. The balance between property crimes (88 incidents) and violent crimes (76 incidents) suggests a relatively even split, though the higher proportion of violent crimes may be influenced by the presence of educational institutions, which can attract transient populations. These patterns highlight how local factors—such as the timing of university term starts and the density of mixed-use spaces—interact with broader national trends to shape the area’s crime profile.

September 2023 saw dramatic shifts in specific crime categories. Criminal damage and arson surged by 216.7%, jumping from 6 to 19 incidents, a spike that may align with seasonal transitions as the nights draw in. Other theft also rose sharply, increasing by 144.4% to 22 reports, potentially linked to increased retail activity or seasonal shopping. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 54.8%, dropping from 31 to 14, a decrease that could reflect reduced commuter traffic during school holidays or improved parking security. Theft from the person, though starting from a low base, doubled from 0 to 3, a change that might suggest targeted incidents in crowded areas. Public order offences remained 61% above the UK average, a persistent outlier that may reflect the area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces during the back-to-school period. These fluctuations illustrate how local factors—such as the timing of university term starts—can influence crime patterns, even as broader trends like vehicle crime decline.

Walton-on-Thames' crime rate in September 2023 rose to 8.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 24.6% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.9. This translates to roughly 8 crimes reported daily across the built-up area, a figure that, while localised, offers insight into the area’s monthly rhythm. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 116 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population of 28,094. This rate places the area 8.7% above the UK average, but the disparity is most pronounced in specific categories. For instance, public order offences were 61% above the UK average, a stark contrast to burglary rates, which were 6% below the national figure. These variations highlight how local dynamics—such as the influx of students returning to university or the start of term activities—may influence the types of incidents recorded. The population-scaled perspective shows that while the overall rate is elevated, the distribution of crime types reflects both the area’s characteristics and seasonal transitions.