Great Bookham and Fetcham Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

The most striking development in January 2025 was the 150% surge in shoplifting, an unexpected spike that contrasts with the area’s overall low crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents—70.4% below the UK average. This anomaly raises questions about local retail dynamics during the post-holiday period, though reduced footfall in January complicates straightforward explanations. The area’s crime profile remains dominated by violence and sexual offences (34% of all crimes), followed by vehicle crime (15%) and criminal damage and arson (11%). These figures highlight a persistent pattern where violent crime accounts for a large share of incidents, even as the overall rate remains significantly below national averages. Seasonal factors likely play a role in this distribution: the short days and cold weather of January may limit opportunities for outdoor crimes, while the post-holiday period could temporarily boost retail-related offences. The built-up nature of Great Bookham and Fetcham within Mole Valley, a rural district, suggests that the area’s low population density and limited urban infrastructure contribute to the consistently low crime environment. However, the spike in shoplifting indicates that local retailers may face unique challenges during the post-holiday period, linked to the presence of high-value goods in local stores. This could be exacerbated by the area’s proximity to larger towns, where higher crime rates might influence local patterns. The overall crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents is a stark contrast to the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, underscoring the area’s relative safety. This is particularly notable given the national trend of rising crime rates in many regions, suggesting that Great Bookham and Fetcham may have effective community policing strategies or social factors that contribute to their low crime environment. The dominance of violent crime in the local profile, despite the overall low rate, may indicate that the area’s population has a higher proportion of vulnerable individuals or that local social dynamics contribute to a higher incidence of violent incidents compared to other similarly low-crime regions. This requires further analysis to understand whether it is a systemic issue or an outlier within the broader Mole Valley context.

Shoplifting incidents in January 2025 more than doubled, rising from two to five—a 150% increase. This sharp rise contrasts with the area’s generally low crime profile and may reflect post-holiday retail patterns, though reduced footfall in January complicates this explanation. Vehicle crime also climbed by 75%, with seven incidents reported, a category that remains 27% below the UK average. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 75%, from four to one, potentially linked to the quieter nature of January, which sees fewer large gatherings or events. Anti-social behaviour fell by 60%, from 10 to four, a trend consistent with the season’s lower population density and reduced social activity. Violence and sexual offences remained 72% below the UK average, with 16 incidents recorded—a figure that underscores the area’s relative safety despite the spike in shoplifting. The shift in crime mix, with property crimes accounting for 51% of total incidents (24 out of 47), highlights a seasonal trend where retail-related offences dominate in the post-holiday period. This is a key data point for residents concerned about local retail security, as it suggests targeted vigilance may be necessary during similar periods in the future.

The crime rate in Great Bookham and Fetcham fell by 29.8% compared to December 2024, dropping from 3.0 to 2.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical January trends, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours may limit opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, the daily crime count averaged roughly two incidents per day over the 31-day period, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 477 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate places the area well below the UK average, though direct comparisons to national figures are not available for this metric. The population context further underscores the low crime environment: with 22,408 residents, the area’s total of 47 crimes represents a relatively minor impact on the community. Such statistics may reassure residents about the safety of their neighbourhood, particularly during a time of year when crime rates across the UK typically rise due to seasonal factors. The built-up nature of the area within Mole Valley, a rural district characterised by lower population density and limited urban infrastructure, likely contributes to the consistently low crime profile. This contrasts sharply with more densely populated regions where crime rates are often higher due to increased social interaction and economic activity.