Leatherhead Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Leatherhead recorded 129 crimes, equating to a crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 residents—39% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. For a population of 12,105, this translates to approximately one crime for every 94 residents over the course of the month. The area’s crime profile is dominated by property-related offences, with shoplifting (21.7% of total crimes) and violence and sexual offences (24.0%) forming the largest categories. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the transition to spring—may have influenced patterns, as increased outdoor activity and foot traffic in retail areas could contribute to the sharp rise in shoplifting. Violence and sexual offences, though slightly above the UK average (2% higher), are not the most striking anomaly; rather, the 243% disparity in shoplifting rates compared to the national average highlights a significant local challenge. This could reflect Leatherhead’s role as a retail and commuter hub, where high footfall in commercial centres may create opportunities for theft. Meanwhile, vehicle crime (11.6% of total crimes) was 155% above the UK average, linked to the area’s road networks and parking infrastructure. Anti-social behaviour (13.2%) and criminal damage (6.2%) also exceeded national benchmarks. These trends suggest that while Leatherhead is not an outlier in violent crime, its property crime rates are elevated, requiring targeted interventions in retail and transportation sectors.

April 2024 saw sharp month-on-month increases in drugs-related crimes (+300%), vehicle crime (+275%), and theft from the person (+100%). These jumps suggest emerging patterns or localized triggers. The dominance of property crimes—accounting for 53% of all reported incidents—contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically make up a smaller share. Shoplifting, the most common crime type, was 243% above the UK average, a disparity that may reflect Leatherhead’s retail density and foot traffic. Conversely, theft from the person was 47% below the national average, potentially indicating effective policing or lower pedestrian vulnerability in the area. The rise in vehicle crime could be linked to the area’s commuter infrastructure, while the surge in drugs-related incidents may point to seasonal shifts in activity or new distribution networks.

Leatherhead's crime rate in April 2024 rose 2.4% compared to March, reaching 10.7 per 1,000 residents. This places the area 39% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a gap that has remained consistent over recent months. On a daily basis, 4 crimes were reported each day in April, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 94 residents over the course of the month. Given Leatherhead’s population of 12,105, this suggests a relatively high level of exposure to crime compared to the national average. While the increase from March is modest, the concentration of property-related crimes—particularly shoplifting and vehicle crime—remains strikingly elevated. This aligns with the area’s mix of retail hubs and commuter infrastructure, which may contribute to persistent vulnerabilities in these categories. The daily crime rate, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for targeted local measures to address specific crime hotspots.