Leatherhead Crime Rate

Leatherhead is an urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 129.4 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 93.1. This elevated rate has resulted in a safety score of 71/100, placing it below the national average of 78/100. Most concerning for the local community is the recent trend direction; crime in Leatherhead has increased by 14.5% year-over-year. With a population of 12,105, the frequency of reported incidents suggests a need for heightened awareness among residents. The following data explores these statistics in depth, providing a breakdown of crime types and temporal patterns to help homeowners better understand the local security environment.

Crime Breakdown in Leatherhead

Leatherhead's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 33.2% of all recorded incidents (520 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common report at 15.4%, followed by shoplifting at 10.7%. For residents, these figures highlight a significant level of public-facing crime that impacts the feel of the town centre and residential areas.

Of particular concern is the property crime rate, which stands at 47.0 per 1,000 people. This encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, which together represent a substantial threat to local homeowners. Burglary and vehicle crime each account for a portion of the total, but when combined with other thefts and shoplifting, they create a landscape where proactive security is a necessity. The high frequency of these offences suggests that opportunistic crime is a persistent issue in the Leatherhead area.

Crime Trends in Leatherhead

Leatherhead is currently experiencing a concerning upward trend in criminal activity, with a 14.5% increase in total crimes year-over-year. This rise is reflected in the monthly crime rates, which have shown significant volatility but an overall upward trajectory. In November 2024, the rate was 9.3 per 1,000 residents, but by October 2025, it had reached 12.4.

The data reveals a significant peak in March 2025 (12.4) and another in July 2025, where the crime rate reached its highest point of 13.0 per 1,000. While there were slight dips in the winter months, the consistently high figures from spring through to autumn 2025 suggest that the increase is sustained rather than a temporary spike. For residents, this trend indicates that the local security environment has become more challenging over the past twelve months.

How To Keep Safe in Leatherhead

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crimes in Leatherhead, making up over a third of all reports. To improve your personal safety in the town:

1. Avoid walking alone in the town centre late at night, especially near areas with high nightlife activity where anti-social behaviour is more frequent.
2. Be particularly vigilant in the afternoons and evenings when shoplifting and public order offences peak; stay in well-lit, busy areas.
3. Enhance your home's perimeter security, as burglary and vehicle crime are significant risks, particularly during the night-time hours.
4. Use a personal safety app that can alert friends or family to your location if you feel unsafe while out in the community.
5. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps them allocate resources to the areas most in need of a police presence.

Crime Time Patterns in Leatherhead

The timing of criminal activity in Leatherhead shows clear trends. Morning and afternoon periods are dominated by theft and shoplifting, which account for 49% and 53% of crimes respectively. This aligns with the town's commercial activity and peak shopping hours. As the evening approaches, 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more prominent, making up 47% of the total between 6pm and 12am.

Night-time (12am to 6am) brings a significant shift in the risk profile. While the total number of incidents may decrease, the proportion of serious property crimes rises sharply. Vehicle crime peaks during this period, accounting for 36% of all recorded offences, while burglary reaches its highest proportional level at 20%. These statistics highlight that while the town's daytime concerns are largely retail-based, the night-time hours pose a more direct threat to residential property and vehicles.

Leatherhead stands out in the Mole Valley region for its high crime rate compared to nearby settlements. While Leatherhead records 129.4 crimes per 1,000 people, neighbouring areas like Mickleham, Headley, and Westhumble report zero crimes, highlighting a stark contrast between the urban centre and its rural surroundings. Even the nearby built-up area of Ashtead is considerably safer, with a crime rate of just 37.9. This data suggests that criminal activity in the region is heavily concentrated within Leatherhead, making it a focal point for security concerns in the local area.

Home Security in Leatherhead

Leatherhead's property crime rate of 47.0 per 1,000 residents is substantially higher than the UK average of 32.9. This means that burglary, vehicle theft, and other forms of larceny are relatively common occurrences. For homeowners, relying on reactive security measures like standard alarms or recording-only CCTV cameras is often insufficient. These systems typically only alert you after a crime has been committed, providing little more than evidence for an insurance claim.

To combat the rising crime trend in Leatherhead, a proactive AI-powered security system like scOS is recommended. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries, scOS can detect a potential intruder the moment they step onto your land. The system doesn't just record; it acts autonomously by engaging speakers and lights to destroy the element of surprise. In an area where the burglary risk peaks at 20% during the night, having a system that prevents crime before it happens offers the highest level of protection for your family and assets.