Guildford Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2024, Guildford recorded 1,078 crimes across a population of 151,359 residents, translating to a crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is 15.5% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, marking Guildford as one of the safer areas in the country. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.6% of all reported incidents (395 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (168 cases) and shoplifting (122 cases). These patterns align with Guildford’s character as a historically significant town with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist spaces. The summer months, particularly July, typically see increased foot traffic due to festivals and tourism, which may contribute to higher rates of violent and anti-social behaviour. However, the overall lower crime rate compared to the UK suggests effective local policing or community initiatives. Shoplifting in Guildford exceeded the UK average by 18%, a trend that could reflect the town’s retail presence and the impact of seasonal shopping patterns. The relatively low rates of burglary and other theft—35% and 32% below the UK average, respectively—may be linked to Guildford’s compact urban layout and strong community engagement, which could deter opportunistic crimes. This data provides a snapshot of how seasonal dynamics and local infrastructure shape crime patterns in a mid-sized town.

July 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with possession of weapons rising by 125% (from 4 to 9 cases) and vehicle crime increasing by 55.6% (from 45 to 70 cases). These jumps may be linked to the summer season, when outdoor events and festivals could create environments conducive to illicit activity. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 45.5% (from 11 to 6 cases), due to reduced cycling during warmer weather or increased theft prevention measures. The proportion of violent crimes—36.6% of all incidents—remained significantly higher than the UK average for this category (2.9 per 1,000 vs Guildford’s 2.6 per 1,000). This may reflect the impact of summer nights, when social gatherings in Guildford’s town centre and surrounding areas could increase exposure to violent incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting in Guildford rose 18% above the UK average (0.7 per 1,000 vs Guildford’s 0.8 per 1,000), a figure that could be attributed to the town’s retail density and the influx of tourists during peak season. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in a town that balances historical charm with modern commercial activity.

Guildford’s crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 in July 2024 was marginally lower than the previous month’s rate of 7.2, indicating a stable trend with a 0.6% decrease. This consistency suggests that local policing strategies and community engagement efforts have maintained their effectiveness. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 35 crimes per day, a figure that, while not alarming, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 140 residents, a ratio that, when contextualised against Guildford’s population of 151,359, illustrates the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. This monthly exposure rate is particularly significant for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of risk that can inform personal safety practices. The town’s lower-than-average rates for burglary (35% below UK levels) and anti-social behaviour (24% below) further reinforce its position as a safer area, possibly due to its well-maintained public spaces and strong sense of community. These comparisons highlight how Guildford’s unique demographic and geographic characteristics contribute to a crime profile that diverges from the national average.