Dorking Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dorking's August 2024 crime profile reveals a notable imbalance between violent and property crimes, with the former dominating the total count. The built-up area recorded 7.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, 11% below the UK average of 8.2. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.2% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.0%) and public order offences (13.2%). This pattern contrasts with the UK average, where violent crime rates are often lower relative to property crimes. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month, increased tourism, and potential empty homes—may influence burglary risks, though Dorking's burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000) is 25% above the UK average, suggesting local factors such as residential density or property types could play a role. Anti-social behaviour, however, is 3% below the UK average, reflecting community engagement or policing efforts. Public order offences, at 59% above the UK average, may correlate with Dorking's status as a commuter town with regular foot traffic and public spaces. The data suggests that while violent crime remains a priority, the area's crime profile is shaped by a combination of local demographics and seasonal activity, requiring tailored approaches to address specific vulnerabilities.

August 2024 saw significant shifts in crime trends, with a 26.2% decrease in violence and sexual offences (from 61 to 45 incidents), a 50% drop in shoplifting (from 8 to 4), and a 50% reduction in other crime (from 2 to 1). These declines contrast with increases in possession of weapons (100% rise, 1 to 2 incidents) and drugs offences (100% rise, 0 to 1). The dominance of violent crimes—accounting for 37.2% of all reported incidents—marks a stark contrast to the UK average, where violent crimes typically represent a smaller share. Public order offences, at 1.0 per 1,000, were 59% above the UK average, potentially reflecting the area's role as a commuter hub with frequent public interactions. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates fell sharply, possibly linked to August's holiday season reducing opportunities for retail theft. Residents may find the 11% below UK average overall crime rate reassuring, though targeted measures for public order and weapon possession could address emerging concerns.

Dorking's August 2024 crime rate (7.3 per 1,000) represents a 9.1% decline from the previous month's rate of 8.0, indicating a downward trend in overall crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Dorking's safety profile in contrast to the UK average. With a population of 16,544, the area's crime statistics reflect a balance between a relatively low overall rate and specific vulnerabilities in certain offence categories. For example, while burglary rates are 25% above the UK average, other theft and vehicle crime rates are significantly below national figures. This suggests that local factors—such as housing density, commuter patterns, or policing strategies—may be influencing the crime profile. The 9.1% monthly decrease, combined with the 11% below UK average overall rate, highlights a generally safer environment in Dorking compared to the national context, though targeted interventions remain necessary for areas with above-average issues like public order and weapon possession.