Ashtead Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Ashtead’s crime rate in December 2023 (2.8 per 1,000 residents) was 61.1% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, marking one of the most significant disparities between the area and national trends. This built-up area within Mole Valley, likely characterized by a mix of residential and low-density commercial zones, recorded 42 total crimes over the month, with violence and sexual offences (12 incidents, 28.6% of total) and anti-social behaviour (7 incidents, 16.7%) as the most common categories. The stark contrast with the UK average highlights Ashtead’s generally low crime environment, potentially influenced by its smaller population and community-oriented character. Seasonal factors played a notable role, as December’s Christmas shopping peak and extended dark evenings may have contributed to increased retail-related crimes such as shoplifting, which rose sharply to 4 incidents (0.3 per 1,000) despite remaining below the UK rate. Meanwhile, the drop in violence and sexual offences—despite the festive season—could be attributed to local initiatives or the natural moderation of outdoor activity during colder months. The area’s crime profile, while not immune to fluctuations, consistently reflects a safer environment compared to national benchmarks, with most categories well below UK averages, except for public order offences, which were 4% above the national figure. This nuanced picture underscores the need to consider both local and national contexts when interpreting crime data.

December saw dramatic shifts in crime patterns, with shoplifting surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and public order offences increasing by 250% (from 2 to 7). These rises, though stark, remain below UK averages for both categories—shoplifting at 39% below and public order at 4% above. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 55.6% (from 27 to 12), a drop that may reflect seasonal factors such as holiday-related social activity patterns. The breakdown also reveals that anti-social behaviour and other theft remained significantly below UK averages by 46% and 49%, respectively. For residents, the sharp increase in shoplifting—despite being well below the UK rate—could signal heightened retail activity during the festive season. This contrast between specific category trends and the overall crime rate illustrates the complexity of local dynamics.

Ashtead’s crime rate in December 2023 stood at 2.8 per 1,000 residents, a 4.4% decline from the previous month’s 2.9 per 1,000. This modest downward trend suggests a slight stabilization in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of one reported crime per day over the month, a figure that, while low, reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 356 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in Ashtead compared to the UK average. When scaled to the area’s population of 14,966, this equates to a manageable level of risk for residents. The comparison highlights that Ashtead’s crime profile remains distinct from national trends, with its small community size likely contributing to the lower incidence of crime relative to larger urban centres.