Guildford Crime Rate

Guildford currently records a crime rate of 84.3 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 91.7. The district maintains a strong safety score of 80/100, reflecting its status as one of the more secure areas in the South East. The recent crime trend is classified as stable, showing a negligible 0.8% decrease year-over-year. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, highlights that the area remains a secure environment for its 151,359 residents. While the main town centre sees more activity, the district as a whole offers a level of safety that exceeds national benchmarks, providing significant peace of mind for homeowners and families alike.

About Guildford

Guildford is a major historic town and district in Surrey, serving as the administrative and cultural hub of the county. The area is known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and its position as a key part of the London commuter belt. The economy is strong, with a high proportion of professional residents and a thriving service sector, alongside the significant influence of the University of Surrey.

The district's crime statistics reflect its status as a prosperous and well-connected area. While it generally enjoys low crime rates, its transport links and affluent nature can occasionally attract opportunistic property crime. The main urban centre of Guildford, with its busy retail and evening economy, naturally sees more activity than the quieter, more rural parts of the district. The presence of a large student population and high footfall in the town centre also influences the local crime volume. Overall, Guildford is characterised by high employment, strong community engagement, and a high safety score, making it one of the most secure and desirable districts in the South East for its 151,359 residents.

Crime in Guildford

Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest portion of Guildford's crime data, with 4,798 incidents representing 37.6% of the total. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common report at 14.7%, followed by public order offences at 9.8%. These statistics are typical for a safe, suburban district where social and community-focused offences are more prominent than serious organised crime.

Property crime in Guildford is recorded at a low rate of 27.1 per 1,000 people. This includes 325 burglaries, 508 vehicle crimes, and 1,088 shoplifting offences. Burglary itself accounts for just 2.5% of total crime, with a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Although these figures are below the national average for property crime (32.3), the district's affluent nature means that homes and vehicles can still be targets for opportunistic theft. Criminal damage and arson also contribute 8.0% to the total. For residents, these figures highlight that while the overall risk is low, maintaining consistent security practices is essential to protect valuable assets and property. Ensuring that homes are well-secured remains a key priority for maintaining the district's high safety standards.

Guildford Crime Trends

The crime trend in Guildford is remarkably stable, with a tiny 0.8% decrease recorded over the last year. Monthly data shows a consistent pattern of relatively low activity, with the crime rate per 1,000 starting at 6.7 in December 2024 and ending at 6.2 in November 2025. There was a slight seasonal increase during the summer months, peaking at 8.4 in July, which is a common trend as more people are active outdoors.

This stability is a positive sign for the district, suggesting that crime levels are well-managed and not prone to surges. The minor fluctuations throughout the year are typical and do not indicate any underlying shift in the area's safety. For residents of Guildford, this consistent trend reinforces the district's reputation as a reliable and secure place to live and work. Monitoring these trends allows local authorities to maintain their effective community safety strategies.

Guildford sits in a relatively safe pocket of the South East. When compared to the nearby urban centres like Woking or Rushmoor, the district's crime rate is often lower, making it an attractive option for those seeking a secure lifestyle. Its statistics are comparable to other safe Surrey neighbours like Waverley, Surrey Heath, and Runnymede. Even compared to Elmbridge, Guildford maintains a very competitive safety profile. This regional context reinforces the district's status as a secure and stable environment within the broader Surrey and South East area.

Protecting Your Property in Guildford

In a safe and affluent district like Guildford, property crime—though less frequent than the national average—remains a key concern for residents. With a property crime rate of 27.1 per 1,000 people, the primary threat is often opportunistic theft targeting high-value homes and vehicles. Traditional security systems, which often only record footage or sound an alarm after a break-in has occurred, are increasingly seen as reactive and insufficient for those seeking total protection.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using artificial intelligence to detect threats before they reach your home. By monitoring your property's boundaries, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and intervene autonomously—for example, by activating lights or a speaker. This element of surprise is a powerful deterrent, often causing a potential intruder to move on before any damage is done. For homeowners in Guildford, where properties may have larger grounds or be more secluded, this proactive boundary protection is particularly valuable. It transforms your security from a simple recording device into an active participant in your home's safety, ensuring that you are preventing crime rather than just documenting it. In an area where peace of mind is highly valued, scOS provides the ultimate level of proactive security.

How To Keep Safe in Guildford

The most common crime in Guildford is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 37.6% of all reports. While the district is generally very safe, the following tips can help you maintain your personal security:

1. Be Mindful in the Town Centre: When out in Guildford town centre, especially during the evening, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
2. Secure Your Property: Even in low-crime areas, always ensure doors and windows are locked when you leave the house or go to bed. Affluent areas can sometimes be targeted for opportunistic theft.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: If you see someone acting unusually in your neighbourhood, report it to the police. Community vigilance is a key factor in keeping the district's crime rates low.
4. Stay Connected: When walking alone, let someone know your expected arrival time or use a location-sharing app with a trusted friend or family member.
5. Vehicle Safety: Don't leave any items on display in your car, even if they seem of low value. Opportunistic 'smash and grab' incidents can occur even in the safest neighbourhoods.