Great Bookham and Fetcham Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Great Bookham and Fetcham's crime rate in March 2024 stood at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 55.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This built-up area within Mole Valley, likely characterised by its suburban layout and proximity to natural landscapes, exhibits a crime profile that diverges significantly from national trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.4% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.2%) and burglary (11.7%). The seasonal context of March—a transitional period between winter and spring—may influence crime patterns, with longer evenings potentially affecting the timing and frequency of certain offences. Property crimes (27 incidents) and violent crimes (28 incidents) balanced each other, suggesting a mixed focus between personal safety and asset protection. While the overall rate remains low, the area's burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000) is 25% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), a discrepancy that may reflect local factors such as housing density or security infrastructure. The absence of major urban features or industrial activity likely contributes to the area's generally low crime levels, though the slight elevation in burglary suggests targeted vulnerabilities that warrant attention. As the region transitions into spring, the interplay between increased foot traffic, changing weather, and seasonal activities may further shape crime dynamics, though the current data indicates a stable and relatively safe environment compared to the national context.

March 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns within Great Bookham and Fetcham. Shoplifting, drugs, and bicycle theft each recorded a 100% increase from the previous month, rising from zero to five, one, and one incidents respectively. This surge in specific categories may be linked to seasonal factors such as the transition to spring, which could influence retail activity and outdoor recreation. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 50%, from 12 to six incidents, reflecting a reduction in alcohol-related incidents or improved community policing efforts. Other theft and other crime categories also declined by 50%, though these remain low in absolute terms. The area's burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000) stands 25% above the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), a contrast to the significant underperformance in other categories. For instance, anti-social behaviour (0.6 per 1,000) is 48% below the UK average (1.2 per 1,000), a gap that may be attributed to the area's lower population density or effective local initiatives. Residents might find the 100% increase in bicycle theft particularly relevant, as it suggests a need for enhanced security measures for personal property in outdoor spaces. These fluctuations highlight the complexity of local crime dynamics, where specific categories can deviate from national trends while others remain consistently below average.

The crime rate in Great Bookham and Fetcham remained stable from February to March 2024, with both months recording a rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests a lack of significant month-on-month volatility, though the absolute number of crimes (77) corresponds to approximately two incidents per day—a figure that, while low, underscores the need for continuous monitoring. Over the course of March, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 291 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is markedly lower than the UK average, which would be significantly higher given the area's 55.8% deficit. The population context—22,408 residents—further illustrates the rarity of crime in this area, with the total number of incidents representing just 0.34% of the population. This low level of criminal activity contrasts sharply with the UK's broader landscape, where the average resident faces a much higher risk. However, the slight elevation in burglary (25% above the UK average) introduces a nuanced perspective, indicating that while the area is generally safer, certain vulnerabilities persist. These comparative insights help residents contextualise their safety within both local and national frameworks, highlighting the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies while acknowledging specific areas for improvement.