Guildford Crime Rate

Guildford recorded a crime rate of 84.4 incidents per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure is slightly below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. While the overall trend has remained stable, with a 1.8% year-on-year change, certain crime types demonstrate fluctuations. Understanding the specifics of Guildford's crime landscape is vital for residents, prospective homeowners, and businesses alike. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics and offers insights into potential safety measures.

Guildford, a historic market town in Surrey, boasts a unique blend of heritage and modern amenities. The town centre’s vibrant commercial district draws visitors and workers, while surrounding residential areas cater to a diverse population. Guildford’s proximity to major transport links and green spaces contributes to its appeal. A mix of housing types, from detached properties to apartments, reflects a varied demographic profile. The presence of the University of Surrey also introduces a significant student population, influencing local dynamics and potentially impacting crime patterns. Understanding these factors is crucial when considering Guildford's crime statistics, as they can contribute to the prevalence of certain types of offences.

Guildford's crime statistics reveal a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, slightly below the UK average of 32.2. Anti-social behaviour is also a notable issue, with 12.9 incidents per 1,000, again marginally below the national rate. Public order offences stand out, with 8.2 incidents per 1,000, exceeding the UK average of 6.3 by a significant 30%. Property crime, encompassing offences like shoplifting, criminal damage, and theft, collectively amounts to 27.1 incidents per 1,000, indicating a moderate level of risk. While vehicle crime is lower than the UK average (3.2 per 1,000 compared to 4.7), it remains a concern for residents. The prevalence of these crime types highlights the need for targeted preventative measures and community engagement.

Crime in Guildford has remained relatively stable over the past year, showing a slight increase of 1.8%. While the overall trend is stable, fluctuations in specific crime types are noteworthy. For instance, Robbery has seen a significant increase of 58.3% year-on-year, while Bicycle theft has risen by 24.4%. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime have decreased by 15.7% and 18.2% respectively. Monthly data reveals peaks in July 2025 (8.4 per 1,000) and a low point in February 2025 (5.4 per 1,000), indicating potential seasonal or cyclical patterns. These trends highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions.

Guildford's crime rate of 84.4 per 1,000 residents places it within a mixed context compared to neighbouring local authorities. Woking has a slightly lower crime rate (73.3 per 1,000), while Runnymede reports a higher rate (82.4 per 1,000). Waverley boasts the safest neighbouring local authority, with a crime rate of just 43.7 per 1,000, highlighting the variations in crime levels across the region.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach to security – they record events after they’ve occurred. In Guildford, with its rising Robbery and Bicycle theft rates, a proactive security solution is increasingly important. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, prevents crime before it happens. By utilizing multi-camera intelligence and pattern learning, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, alerting you to potential dangers before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly identifies fake plates, and the autonomous response system – lights activating, speakers engaging – creates an element of surprise, often deterring potential intruders. Considering Guildford’s crime statistics, the right security system isn’t just about recording what happens; it's about preventing it from happening in the first place.

How To Keep Safe in Guildford

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to remain vigilant in public spaces. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit areas. Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings when using public transport. Due to the rising rates of bicycle theft, secure your bicycle with a high-quality lock and consider registering it with local authorities. Finally, given the concern of public order offences, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to the police.