Leatherhead Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Leatherhead's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 8.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 3.6% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. The most striking development was the 400% month-on-month increase in robbery, which rose from one to five incidents, a sharp contrast to the 28.6% decrease in shoplifting. This shift highlights the unpredictable nature of crime in the area, where factors such as seasonal socialising and local events may influence patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 26.7% of all crimes, followed by shoplifting (19.1%) and anti-social behaviour (14.3%). The seasonal context of May—characterised by longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributed to fluctuations in certain crime types, though the exact interplay of these factors remains complex. Leatherhead's shoplifting rate (1.7 per 1,000) is 166% above the UK average, a figure that may be linked to the area's retail presence and the proximity of high-traffic zones. This contrast with the UK average for public order offences (90% above the national figure) underscores the unique dynamics of crime in Leatherhead, where the built-up area's characteristics may drive specific patterns. The overall crime rate, while slightly above the UK average, reflects a nuanced picture of local challenges and responses, with month-on-month changes illustrating both successes and emerging concerns.

May 2024 saw a dramatic 400% increase in robbery, with the number of such incidents rising from one to five. This surge is particularly noteworthy given that the area's robbery rate (0.4 per 1,000) is already 264% above the UK average. Conversely, shoplifting, the second most common crime, dropped by 28.6% to 20 incidents, a decrease that contrasts sharply with its 166% above UK average rate. Public order offences also rose sharply by 100%, from seven to 14 incidents, reflecting a significant shift in the crime mix towards more visible, community-focused offences. This month-on-month volatility highlights the dynamic nature of crime in Leatherhead, where factors such as seasonal socialising and local events may influence patterns. Residents might find the 28.6% reduction in shoplifting particularly reassuring, suggesting a possible response to local policing or retail initiatives.

Leatherhead's crime rate in May 2024 (8.7 per 1,000 residents) represents an 18.7% decline from April's rate of 10.7 per 1,000, reflecting a notable reduction in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three reported crimes per day, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents within a built-up area. When considering the population context, the monthly exposure to crime equated to one reported crime for every 115 residents, a statistic that provides a clear snapshot of the risk faced by the local community. This decrease aligns with broader patterns observed in similar areas during May, where seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising may have influenced crime dynamics. The drop in crime is particularly pronounced in categories such as burglary and vehicle crime, which saw decreases of 83.3% and 80% respectively, indicating a possible shift in criminal activity towards more public-facing offences.