Dorking Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dorking's November 2024 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents stands 38.2% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, highlighting the area's generally low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime picture, accounting for 47.4% of all reported incidents—a proportion that, while significant, remains 15% below the UK average. This pattern may be partially explained by the area's character as a built-up district within Mole Valley, where a mix of residential and commercial activity creates conditions conducive to certain types of crime. The seasonal context of November, with its dark evenings and events like Bonfire Night, likely contributes to the prevalence of violent and sexual offences, as well as the rise in shoplifting linked to Black Friday shopping. However, the area's lower-than-average rates for property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime suggest that local factors, including community policing efforts or the layout of residential areas, may be mitigating risks. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also remain well below national averages, though these categories account for only 14.1% of total crimes. The overall picture indicates that while Dorking is not immune to crime, its crime profile is shaped by a combination of seasonal factors, local demographics, and the built environment. The relatively low crime rate, despite the sharp increases in drug-related offences and robbery, underscores the need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions to address emerging trends.

November 2024 saw sharp increases in drug-related crimes and robbery, both rising by 100% from October's figures. This spike, while small in absolute terms (one additional drug offence and three additional robberies), raises concerns about emerging trends in the area. Shoplifting also rose by 28.6% (from seven to nine incidents), likely linked to Black Friday shopping activity, which typically drives retail crime in built-up areas. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime fell sharply—burglary dropped 80% (from five to one) and vehicle crime fell 75% (from four to one), possibly reflecting reduced commuter traffic during late autumn. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 47.4% of all crimes, though this rate (2.2 per 1,000) is 15% below the UK average. Residents should be particularly alert to the surge in drug-related incidents, which were entirely absent in October, suggesting a new dynamic in local crime patterns.

Dorking's crime rate in November 2024 (4.7 per 1,000) marks a 32.8% decline from October's 7.0 per 1,000, reflecting a sustained trend of lower-than-average crime. This monthly decrease aligns with broader patterns observed in similar built-up areas within Mole Valley, where seasonal transitions and reduced foot traffic during late autumn contribute to lower reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three crimes per day in November—a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for vigilance during peak shopping periods like Black Friday. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 212 residents, a ratio that places Dorking significantly below the UK average for monthly exposure. This statistic, when contextualised against the local population of 16,544, suggests that while crime remains a concern, its frequency is proportionally lower than in many comparable urban centres. The reduction in burglary (down 80%) and vehicle crime (down 75%) may be partly attributed to the closure of seasonal markets and reduced commuter activity, though further analysis is required to confirm this link.