Dorking Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 16,544, the 85 reported crimes in January 2026 equate to 5.1 crimes per 1,000 residents — 25% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This rate translates to roughly one crime for every 195 residents over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises the volume within the area's demographics. The crime profile shows a distinct focus on violent and sexual offences, which accounted for 45.9% of all incidents (39 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (11.8%) and criminal damage and arson (11.8%). These figures contrast with the UK average for violence and sexual offences, which stands at 2.5 per 1,000 (4% below Dorking's rate). The seasonal context of January — a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours — may partly explain the relatively low levels of shoplifting and vehicle crime typically associated with busier months. However, the higher-than-average rate of criminal damage and arson (0.6 per 1,000, 25% above the UK average) suggests local factors such as community tensions or specific environmental vulnerabilities could be at play. The balance between property and violent crimes also shifts notably: while property crimes (27) made up 31.8% of the total, violent crimes dominated the landscape, a pattern that could reflect the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces. This contrast with the UK average, where property crimes typically form a larger share, highlights the need for tailored local analysis.

January 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with burglary decreasing by 77.8% (9 to 2 cases) and other crime falling by 75% (4 to 1). These declines may be linked to seasonal factors, as January's shorter days and post-holiday lull could reduce opportunities for property-related offences. Conversely, possession of weapons and robbery each saw 100% increases, rising from zero to one incident, a shift that warrants attention given the absence of such crimes in the previous month. Criminal damage and arson rose by 42.9% (7 to 10 cases), a spike that exceeds the UK average by 25% (0.5 per 1,000). This category's performance stands in stark contrast to the 35% UK-wide deficit in anti-social behaviour (0.9 per 1,000 vs Dorking's 0.6 per 1,000). The area's relatively low rates for shoplifting (30% below UK average) and vehicle crime (46% below UK average) suggest that the built-up nature of Dorking, with its mix of residential streets and retail hubs, may create conditions less conducive to these offences. For residents, the 3 crimes per day average offers a tangible perspective on local safety, though this figure remains below the UK daily average. The shift in crime mix — with violent crimes now forming a larger proportion than property crimes — may reflect broader social dynamics, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this pattern.

The crime rate in January 2026 (5.1 per 1,000) marked a 19.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.4 per 1,000, a decline that aligns with the seasonal trend of reduced outdoor activity in colder months. This monthly drop is particularly evident when considering that the average resident faces a 1-in-195 chance of being involved in a reported crime over the course of the month — a figure that, while contextualised by the area's population size, remains a useful benchmark for local awareness. On a daily basis, Dorking recorded an average of 3 crimes per day in January, a rate that is likely influenced by the town's built-up character and the specific rhythms of its community. When compared to the UK average, Dorking's performance across several categories highlights both strengths and areas of divergence: anti-social behaviour is 35% below the UK average, and shoplifting is 30% below, but criminal damage and arson exceeds the UK rate by 25%. These contrasts suggest that local factors — such as the density of residential housing, the presence of community spaces, or the effectiveness of local policing — may play a role in shaping the area's unique crime profile. The 25% deficit compared to the UK average underscores the importance of maintaining current strategies while remaining vigilant about emerging trends, such as the sudden rise in weapon possession and robbery cases.