Ash and Ash Vale Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Ash and Ash Vale BUA

The Built-Up Area (BUA) of Ash and Ash Vale records an overall crime rate of 59.0 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. With an impressive safety score of 86 out of 100, Ash and Ash Vale stands as a significantly safer area compared to the national average of 78. Over the past year, the crime trend in Ash and Ash Vale has remained stable, with a negligible increase of 0.1%. This section provides a detailed look at the prevalent crime types, trends, and comparisons with nearby urban areas to offer a comprehensive understanding of safety within the Ash and Ash Vale BUA.

Crime Breakdown in Ash and Ash Vale BUA

In the Ash and Ash Vale Built-Up Area, Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 38.3% of all reported incidents with 573 crimes (22.6 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour ranks as the second highest, with 254 incidents (10.0 per 1,000, 17.0% of total), indicating issues of public nuisance. Criminal damage and arson is the third most frequent crime, with 133 incidents (5.2 per 1,000, 8.9% of total), highlighting concerns for property vandalism.

The property-related crime rate in Ash and Ash Vale BUA is 17.7 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. Specific figures show 111 vehicle crimes (4.4 per 1,000) and 98 other thefts (3.9 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these statistics suggest a relatively low risk of property crime compared to the national picture, but vigilance in securing vehicles and homes remains a sensible precaution.

Crime Trends in Ash and Ash Vale BUA

Ash and Ash Vale Built-Up Area has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a minimal increase of 0.1% year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals a generally consistent pattern. Rates were around 4.8 in October 2024, dipping slightly to 4.2 in January 2025. A notable increase occurred in April 2025, reaching 6.3 per 1,000, before gradually declining through the summer to 4.6 in September. This seasonal fluctuation, with a spring peak, is often observed in many areas. For residents, this stable trend with minor variations suggests that while the overall crime situation is not worsening significantly, awareness of typical seasonal patterns can be beneficial.

Crime Time Patterns in Ash and Ash Vale BUA

Crime in Ash and Ash Vale BUA follows distinct daily patterns. Morning hours (6am-12pm) show a notable proportion of theft (39%) and vehicle crime (22%), suggesting opportunistic incidents during daily routines. Afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a continued high for theft (45%) and an increase in burglary (16%). As the day progresses into the evening (6pm-12am), "other crime" types become most prevalent (49%), alongside moderate vehicle crime (22%). During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes the dominant category (49%), often coupled with burglary (14%), indicating crimes that exploit reduced visibility and unattended properties. Understanding these hourly patterns can help residents and businesses implement more targeted security measures.

Crime in Nearby Built-Up Areas

Comparing Ash and Ash Vale Built-Up Area with its neighbouring urban settlements provides valuable regional context. With an overall crime rate of 59.0 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 86/100, Ash and Ash Vale is positioned as a very safe area compared to many in the region. Nearby BUAs such as Wyke, Ash Green (Guildford), Aldershot, and Mytchett may exhibit different crime profiles. Aldershot, as a larger town, might naturally have higher crime rates, while smaller, more residential areas like Wyke or Ash Green could have similar or even lower figures. Understanding these comparisons helps residents contextualise Ash and Ash Vale's excellent safety performance within the local landscape.

Protecting Your Home in Ash and Ash Vale BUA

Given Ash and Ash Vale BUA's low property crime rate of 17.7 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the national average, it's still prudent for homeowners to consider effective security measures. While basic CCTV systems record incidents, they often only provide evidence after a crime has taken place. For superior protection, a proactive approach is key. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime before it happens.

scOS offers proactive protection by detecting threats at your property boundary, acting as an immediate deterrent. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive monitoring, and features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. The system's ability to learn your routines means it only alerts on genuine threats, avoiding false alarms. Its autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to disorient and deter intruders by destroying their element of surprise. For residents of Ash and Ash Vale BUA who seek to enhance their home security beyond mere recording, investing in professional-grade, proactive protection offers a significant advantage in safeguarding their property.