Leatherhead Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

May 2023 saw Leatherhead's crime rate reach 10.2 per 1,000 residents, 27.5% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure, while consistent with the area's historical position as a built-up zone within Mole Valley, reveals a complex picture shaped by seasonal and local factors. The top three crime types—violence and sexual offences (29.8% of total), anti-social behaviour (15.3%), and public order offences (13.7%)—reflect patterns common to commuter towns with high foot traffic and proximity to urban centres. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.1 per 1,000, were 12% above the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by Leatherhead's role as a hub for commuters and students. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, was 20% above the UK average, likely tied to the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces. Public order offences, at 1.4 per 1,000, were 112% above the UK average—a stark contrast to the national trend—potentially linked to May's longer evenings and bank holidays, which may have encouraged more outdoor socialising. Shoplifting, at 1.2 per 1,000, was 145% above the UK average, a figure that could be explained by Leatherhead's retail presence and the increased foot traffic during the month. These patterns, while concerning, are not isolated; they align with broader trends in similar commuter towns where seasonal transitions and local demographics intersect. The data also shows that certain categories, such as criminal damage and arson (0.5 per 1,000, 19% below the UK average), remain below national levels, suggesting that local policing or community initiatives may be effective in addressing specific issues. As the area moves into the summer months, the interplay between seasonal activity and crime patterns will likely remain a key focus for residents and authorities alike.

Vehicle crime in Leatherhead saw an unprecedented 300% increase in May 2023, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, is a striking anomaly that may reflect seasonal shifts in parking patterns or increased vehicle usage during May's longer evenings. Public order offences, which include disturbances and anti-social behaviour, were 112% above the UK average at 1.4 per 1,000, a figure that aligns with the area's seasonal context of increased outdoor socialising. Shoplifting also rose sharply, with 1.2 per 1,000 reported incidents—145% above the UK average—potentially linked to the retail activity around Leatherhead's high streets. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson fell by 33.3% month-on-month, though this category remains 19% below the UK average. Residents may find the 300% jump in vehicle crime particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a sudden change in local dynamics that could warrant further attention.

Leatherhead's crime rate in May 2023 rose to 10.2 per 1,000 residents, a 7.8% increase from April's 9.5 per 1,000. This brings the area's rate 27.5% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a gap that has widened over the past year. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 4 crimes per day in May, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 98 residents, a ratio that highlights the frequency of incidents in a relatively small population. With 12,105 residents, Leatherhead's crime statistics reflect a mix of local and national trends, though the area's specific context—such as its proximity to London and commuter patterns—likely plays a role in shaping these figures. The rate of criminal damage and arson fell by 33.3% compared to April, a decline that may be linked to seasonal factors or targeted policing efforts.