Great Bookham and Fetcham Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 saw a stark contrast in crime patterns for Great Bookham and Fetcham, with burglary cases surging by 400% to 5 incidents, while other categories like public order offences and anti-social behaviour declined sharply. The overall crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents, 51.9% below the UK average, reflects a broader trend of consistently low crime levels in this built-up area within Mole Valley. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 35.2% of all reported crimes (31 cases).9% compared to July. This category’s rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents is 47% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, underscoring the area’s lower risk profile. Other crime types such as criminal damage and arson (11 cases) and public order offences (8 cases) also remained significantly below the UK average, with rates 21% and 33% lower respectively. However, the sharp rise in burglaries highlights a seasonal vulnerability linked to the summer holiday period, when increased travel and empty homes may create opportunities for such crimes. The area’s low population density and strong community engagement likely contribute to its consistently lower crime profile compared to the national average. These patterns suggest that while the area benefits from a generally safe environment, targeted measures may be needed to address specific seasonal risks, such as the surge in burglaries during August.

August 2023 witnessed a 400% increase in burglary cases, rising from 1 to 5 incidents, a sharp contrast to the previous month’s figures. This spike may be linked to the seasonal context of August, when empty homes and increased travel could create vulnerabilities. Other crime and possession of weapons both saw 100% increases, from zero to two incidents each, suggesting a possible shift in criminal activity patterns. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 46.7%, and anti-social behaviour fell by 41.7%, likely influenced by the summer holiday period reducing foot traffic in public spaces. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category (31 cases, or 35.2% of total crimes), declined by 13.9% compared to July, remaining 47% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. These fluctuations underscore the dynamic nature of local crime trends, shaped by both seasonal factors and specific incidents. The 400% rise in burglaries highlights a critical vulnerability in the area during the summer months, a concern that may warrant further localised analysis.

August 2023 marked an 8.2% decline in the crime rate compared to July, bringing the figure down from 4.3 to 3.9 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with typical August patterns, where increased tourism and summer holidays may temporarily reduce opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, the average of 3 crimes per day over the 31-day period offers a clear snapshot of the area’s monthly exposure. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 255 residents, a ratio that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population of 22,408. This monthly exposure is lower than the UK average, reflecting the area’s consistently lower crime profile. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that residents here face a significantly lower risk of encountering crime compared to the national average, a trend that has persisted across multiple months. The built-up nature of Great Bookham and Fetcham, combined with its location within Mole Valley, may contribute to this dynamic, where community engagement and lower population density play a role in mitigating crime opportunities.