Ashtead Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ashtead's November 2024 crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents marked a continued divergence from the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, placing the area 75% below the national benchmark. This stark contrast underscores the area's relatively low crime profile compared to the UK as a whole. The breakdown of crimes revealed a clear dominance of violent offences, which accounted for 46.4% of all incidents—13 cases of violence and sexual offences. Public order offences and 'other crime' followed with 10.7% and 7.1% shares respectively, highlighting a mix of concerns that extend beyond traditional property crime. Seasonal factors likely played a role in shaping these patterns, with November's dark evenings and the proximity of Bonfire Night potentially influencing public order incidents. The low overall rate suggests a stable environment, though the presence of violent crime indicates areas for continued attention. Black Friday shopping, which typically drives retail crime, did not translate into significant increases in shoplifting or theft, with the latter remaining at 0.1 per 1,000—a rate 86% below the UK average. This stability may reflect the area's character as a built-up part of Mole Valley, where suburban infrastructure and community policing could contribute to lower crime levels. However, the dominance of violent offences compared to property crime contrasts with typical patterns seen in more densely populated urban centres, suggesting unique local dynamics at play.

November 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with public order offences surging by 200% from 1 to 3 incidents. This sharp increase may be linked to November's shorter daylight hours and the timing of Bonfire Night events, which often draw crowds and can escalate minor disputes. Conversely, burglary rates dropped by two-thirds compared to October, with incidents falling from 6 to 2—a trend consistent with seasonal patterns where colder weather and holiday periods reduce opportunistic break-ins. The rise in 'other crime' by 100% (from 0 to 2 cases) highlights emerging concerns that warrant closer examination, though the small numbers mean caution is needed in interpreting this shift. Violent crime remained the largest category, but its rate of 0.9 per 1,000 was 65% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences, suggesting that while incidents occur, they are rare in Ashtead. Shoplifting rates—though still low at 0.1 per 1,000—rose by 100% from 1 to 2 cases, possibly reflecting increased foot traffic during Black Friday promotions. This data offers residents a concrete insight: while violent crime remains a concern, the area's performance in reducing property crime and maintaining low overall rates indicates effective local crime prevention measures.

Ashtead's November 2024 crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents represented a 22.4% decrease from the previous month's rate of 2.4, continuing a downward trend that positions the area as one of the safest in the UK. On a daily basis, this equates to approximately 1 crime per day in Ashtead—a figure that, when scaled to the local population, means one reported crime occurred for roughly every 535 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, which would equate to roughly one crime per 130 residents. The population context further highlights the area's safety: with 14,966 residents, the low crime numbers suggest that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives. This stability is particularly notable given the seasonal factors of November, which typically see spikes in public order offences and retail crime. The fact that Ashtead's violent crime rate (0.9 per 1,000) and property crime rates (0.6 per 1,000) remain well below UK averages indicates that local conditions—whether through effective policing, community engagement, or urban design—may be creating an environment that deters criminal activity. While the monthly exposure figure is low, the absolute number of crimes (28) remains a reminder that no area is entirely free from crime, and vigilance in addressing emerging trends like the rise in public order incidents remains crucial.