Dorking Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

June 2024 marked a notable shift in Dorking’s crime profile, with the most dramatic change being the 200% rise in 'Other crime'—a category that includes a range of unclassified but often persistent offences. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, contrasts with an 83.3% decline in 'Criminal damage and arson', which fell from 12 to 2. The area’s overall crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents placed it 12.2% below the UK average, a position consistent with its status as a built-up area within the Mole Valley. The top crime types were 'Violence and sexual offences' (37.0% of total crimes) and 'Public order' (17.7%), both of which showed divergent trends relative to national benchmarks. 'Public order' offences, at 1.3 per 1,000, were 113% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the pressures of managing public spaces in a town with a mix of residential and commercial areas. By contrast, 'Violence and sexual offences' were 2% below the UK average, a minor but consistent deviation that could be tied to local policing strategies or demographic factors. Seasonal context adds complexity: as June marks the start of summer, the longer days and increased tourism in nearby coastal areas may indirectly influence crime patterns, though Dorking itself is not a major tourist hub. The data suggests a balance between local challenges—such as public order issues—and broader trends that keep the area’s crime rate below the national average.

The most striking month-on-month change was the 200% increase in 'Other crime', which rose from 2 to 6 incidents. This surge, though small in absolute terms, contrasts with the 83.3% drop in 'Criminal damage and arson', which fell from 12 to 2. These opposing trends suggest a reallocation of criminal activity, possibly influenced by seasonal factors or local events. The category of 'Other theft' also saw a 133.3% increase, from 3 to 7, while 'Robbery' doubled from 0 to 2. These movements highlight a shift in the crime mix, with property-related offences (such as 'Shoplifting' and 'Vehicle crime') remaining below the UK average but showing less volatility than violent crimes. 'Public order' offences were 113% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the area’s built-up nature and the challenges of managing public spaces during the early summer. For residents, the sharp rise in 'Other crime'—a category often encompassing minor but persistent issues—may warrant closer attention to community reporting mechanisms.

Dorking's crime rate in June 2024 fell to 7.2 per 1,000 residents, a 16.8% decline from the previous month’s rate of 8.6. This reduction aligns with a broader trend of seasonal moderation, though the pace of change contrasts with the area’s usual summer patterns. On a daily basis, 4 crimes were reported over the 30 days, a figure that translates to roughly one crime for every 139 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the previous month’s equivalent, reflecting a shift in local dynamics. The population context adds nuance: with 16,544 residents, the area’s crime profile remains relatively low compared to the UK average, but the distribution of specific offences suggests targeted pressures. While the overall rate is stable, the mix of crimes has shifted, with certain categories like ‘Other crime’ and ‘Other theft’ rising sharply, which will be explored in the highlights section. These changes may reflect transient factors, such as the timing of local events or shifts in police resource allocation from the data alone.