Leatherhead Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Leatherhead’s crime rate in December 2024 stood at 8.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 12.7% above the UK average of 7.1. This figure, while higher than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local and seasonal factors. The most prominent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (13.4%) and criminal damage and arson (12.4%). These patterns align with Leatherhead’s status as a built-up area within Mole Valley, where retail activity and public spaces may drive certain types of crime. The month’s context—characterised by the Christmas shopping peak, party season, and extended periods of darkness—likely contributed to the elevated rates of shoplifting and public order offences. However, the area’s relatively low burglary and vehicle crime rates suggest that its urban infrastructure and population density may offer some protective factors against these specific crimes. The overall rate, though above the UK average, does not indicate a dramatic increase compared to previous months, and the data highlights the importance of seasonal considerations in understanding local crime trends.

December 2024 saw sharp increases in possession of weapons (+100%), bicycle theft (+100%), and other crime (+100%), while vehicle crime fell by 85.7%, theft from the person dropped 75%, and drug-related incidents declined 66.7%. These swings suggest shifting patterns in criminal activity, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic during the Christmas shopping period and reduced opportunities for vehicle-related crimes during colder, darker evenings. Shoplifting remains 93% above the UK average at 1.1 per 1,000, a figure that may be linked to the area’s retail presence and the surge in holiday spending. Meanwhile, burglary and vehicle crime rates are both below the UK average, which could reflect the built-up nature of Leatherhead and the relative absence of isolated properties that are more vulnerable to such crimes. For residents, the sharp rise in bicycle theft highlights the need for vigilance in securing personal property during the festive season.

Leatherhead's crime rate in December 2024 (8.0 per 1,000 residents) marks a 14.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.3 per 1,000, reflecting a downward trend in reported incidents. This reduction aligns with seasonal patterns typical of December, when holiday-related activities and reduced foot traffic in some areas may contribute to lower crime rates. On a daily basis, 3 crimes were reported each day in December, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the built-up area. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for every 125 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the population size. When scaled to Leatherhead’s 12,105 residents, this means fewer than 100 individuals experienced a crime directly, suggesting that the majority of the population remains unaffected. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, though it does not account for unreported crimes or variations in individual vulnerability.