Dorking Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Dorking’s crime rate climb to 7.0 per 1,000 residents — 9.4% above the UK average of 6.4. This marks a stark contrast to the pre-spring lull typically associated with winter months, though the data suggests a combination of seasonal and localized factors may have contributed. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 28.5% of all crimes, followed by other theft (18.1%) and burglary (12.1%). While violence rates fell slightly compared to January, the surge in property crimes — particularly burglary, which rose 600% — stands out as the most unexpected development. The area’s built-up character within Mole Valley, with its mix of residential and retail spaces, likely plays a role in these patterns. However, the sharp increase in burglary defies typical seasonal trends, as colder weather often correlates with reduced outdoor activity. This could be linked to increased indoor activity during colder weather. The drop in shoplifting (57.1% decline) may reflect reduced foot traffic in retail areas, a common trend during winter. Overall, the crime profile illustrates a shift toward property-related incidents, which contrasts with the UK-wide emphasis on violent crime. Local factors, such as the proximity of Dorking to larger urban centres, may also influence property crime trends.

The most striking finding is the 600% surge in burglary cases, rising from 2 to 14 in February. This spike dwarfs the 425% increase in other theft and 400% rise in drug-related crimes — both of which also saw significant jumps. These property crime increases are higher than the UK averages for their categories: burglary in Dorking is 260% above the national rate, while other theft is 210% above. In contrast, shoplifting fell by 57.1%, aligning with the UK average for this category and suggesting a seasonal dip in retail area crime. The drop in violence and sexual offences (15.4%) is another anomaly, though this category remains above the UK average for violent crime. A resident might find the 210% disparity in other theft particularly concerning, as it indicates a level of property crime far exceeding national norms. Meanwhile, vehicle crime in Dorking is 43% below the UK average, possibly reflecting the area’s lower density of parked vehicles in residential zones. These shifts highlight the need to monitor property crime trends closely, given their sharp divergence from both seasonal expectations and national benchmarks.

Dorking’s crime rate in February 2026 (7.0 per 1,000) represents a 36.4% increase from the previous month’s rate of 5.1. This jump translates to roughly 4 crimes reported daily — a figure that, while modest in absolute terms, underscores the rapid pace of change. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 143 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the impact of the surge in property crimes. When compared to the UK average, Dorking’s overall rate remains 9.4% higher, though this gap has narrowed slightly from previous months. The population context is critical: with 16,544 residents, the area’s relatively small size amplifies the visibility of even minor increases. For instance, the 600% rise in burglary may seem extreme in percentage terms, but it corresponds to just 14 incidents across a population of over 16,000. This suggests that while the rate is concerning, the absolute number of crimes remains manageable. However, the sharp divergence in property crime categories — particularly burglary — indicates a need for targeted local analysis, as these trends are far more pronounced than in other parts of the UK.