Walton-on-Thames Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Walton-on-Thames’ crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents in December 2024 places it 12.7% below the UK average of 7.1, reflecting a generally safer profile compared to the national picture. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 31.8% of all incidents—2.0 per 1,000 residents, 22% below the UK average. This suggests that local efforts to address violent crime may be yielding results, though the 55 recorded cases still represent a significant portion of the total. Public order offences, however, stand out as a stark contrast, with 23 incidents (0.8 per 1,000) marking a 78% increase above the UK average. This category, which includes disorder and anti-social behaviour, may be exacerbated by the seasonal context of December, when heavy foot traffic, late-night events, and the proximity to Christmas shopping could contribute to heightened tensions. Anti-social behaviour, at 21 cases (0.8 per 1,000), is 15% below the UK average, indicating that while public order issues remain a challenge, the area’s overall approach to managing community disruptions appears to be somewhat effective. The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, holiday travel, and the commercial rush of Christmas—likely influences these patterns, with shoplifting incidents rising sharply as a direct result of increased retail activity. However, the lower-than-average burglary rate (0.1 per 1,000) may be partly attributable to the reduced number of unoccupied homes during the festive season, as residents take additional precautions to secure their properties.

December 2024 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with shoplifting incidents surging by 77.8% to 16 cases—likely driven by the peak of Christmas shopping activity. This sharp increase, however, was offset by a 66.7% drop in burglary cases, potentially due to fewer homes being unoccupied during the festive season. Meanwhile, public order offences emerged as a significant concern, with 23 incidents reported—78% above the UK average. This category, which includes anti-social behaviour and disorder, may reflect the challenges of managing crowds and alcohol-related incidents during the party season. Vehicle crime remained stable at 0.4 per 1,000, matching the UK average, suggesting that local parking and traffic patterns have not significantly shifted. The 50% rise in 'other crime' and possession of weapons offences may indicate evolving criminal tactics or increased reporting during the month, though further analysis is required to confirm underlying causes.

Walton-on-Thames recorded a crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents in December 2024, marking a 10.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.9. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of winter months, when fewer residents are present due to holiday travel and reduced foot traffic in commercial areas. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 6 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 162 residents, a statistic that underscores the relative safety of the area when compared to the UK average. With a population of 28,094, the monthly exposure figure translates to a manageable risk profile for most households, though the slight increase in public order offences suggests areas requiring targeted community engagement. The drop in burglary rates—down 66.7% from 6 to 2 incidents—may reflect the impact of festive season precautions, such as increased home security measures during the holiday period.