Guildford Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Guildford’s crime profile in November 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, shaped by the area’s character as a historic town with a mix of urban and semi-rural features. The overall crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents places the area 10.5% below the UK average of 7.6, reflecting a generally safer environment compared to the national picture. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime mix, accounting for 33.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.3%) and shoplifting (9.3%). This pattern aligns with Guildford’s role as a commuter hub and university town, where social interactions in public spaces may contribute to higher rates of violent and disorderly incidents. Seasonal factors also appear to influence the data: Bonfire Night on 5 November, which often sees spikes in alcohol-related incidents, may have contributed to the elevated rate of violence and anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s prominence could be linked to the Black Friday shopping period, which typically draws crowds to retail areas. However, the area’s lower-than-average burglary rate—35% below the UK average—suggests effective community policing or strong residential security measures in place. The mix of crimes also indicates a combination of local demographics and economic activity, with property crimes remaining relatively low compared to other regions. This balance of crime types underscores Guildford’s position as a town where public safety initiatives and community engagement may help mitigate risks, even as seasonal and economic factors influence crime trends.

November 2024 saw significant shifts in Guildford’s crime profile, with vehicle crime surging by 117.1% compared to October, rising from 35 to 76 incidents. This jump, likely tied to increased car usage during the winter months and the absence of summer holidays, highlights vulnerabilities in vehicle security. Robbery also rose by 50%, from 2 to 3 cases, a small but notable increase that may reflect heightened caution among residents and businesses. Conversely, burglary fell by 20.5% (from 44 to 35), possibly due to improved home security measures or seasonal patterns where fewer people are present in properties during the day. Public order offences, which include disturbances and anti-social behaviour, dropped by 18.3% (from 109 to 89), a decline that may be attributed to local enforcement efforts around Bonfire Night or reduced social activity as the holiday season approached. Interestingly, vehicle crime and public order offences both exceeded UK averages by 14% and 18% respectively, suggesting local factors—such as the town’s proximity to major roads or its bustling town centre—may contribute to these trends. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained 13% below the UK average, indicating successful retail security strategies. For residents, the 117.1% rise in vehicle crime serves as a clear warning to secure vehicles, especially in areas with high foot traffic or limited surveillance.

Guildford’s November 2024 crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 6.7% decline from October’s 7.3, reflecting a continued downward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 34 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for consistent community vigilance. When scaled to the population of 151,359, this means one reported crime occurred for roughly every 147 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable urban areas. This statistic provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, showing that the likelihood of experiencing a crime is relatively low compared to national averages. The contrast between Guildford’s crime mix and the UK average further highlights local peculiarities: while public order offences and vehicle crime are 18% and 14% above the UK average respectively, burglary is 35% below, indicating that property crime prevention strategies may be more effective here. This divergence could stem from Guildford’s demographic profile—its mix of students, commuters, and families may contribute to higher rates of public disorder, while the presence of strong local policing or residential security measures may suppress burglary. The comparison also reveals that violent crimes, though prominent locally, remain 11% below the UK average, suggesting that factors such as community cohesion or targeted interventions are helping to mitigate violent incidents. These figures collectively illustrate a town that, while not immune to crime, is managing its risks through a combination of local initiatives and geographical characteristics.