Leatherhead Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Leatherhead's crime rate in February 2025 stood at 8.7 per 1,000 residents, 29.9% above the UK average of 6.7. This places the area significantly higher than the national benchmark, with the most common crimes being violence and sexual offences (31 cases, 29.5% of total), shoplifting (19 cases, 18.1%), and anti-social behaviour (16 cases, 15.2%). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity—may have contributed to patterns such as increased indoor disputes and retail-focused crimes. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting, which is 158% above the UK average, suggests a specific local factor, such as the proximity of high-footfall areas or unsecured retail premises. Violence and sexual offences also exceeded the UK average by 11%, potentially linked to the area's built-up nature and the presence of nightlife or community hubs. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average for some categories, remains a concern, with a 34% increase over the national rate. The overall crime rate, while stable compared to the previous month, highlights a need for continued vigilance, particularly in retail zones and public spaces. The combination of rising property crimes and violent incidents indicates a combination of local demographics and seasonal factors, requiring targeted community engagement and policing strategies.

February 2025 saw a 90% increase in shoplifting, with 19 incidents reported—far above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This surge, from 10 to 19 cases, may be linked to Leatherhead's retail presence, a common driver of such crimes in built-up areas. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose by 100%, from 5 to 10 incidents, a stark contrast to the previous month. These spikes suggest heightened activity in public spaces or unaddressed local tensions. Vehicle crime dropped by 57.1%, a welcome decline that may reflect seasonal changes or improved security measures in car parks. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 14.3%, with 16 incidents reported, though this remains below the UK average of 1.0 per 1,000. Residents should be particularly vigilant in retail zones and public areas, where shoplifting and vandalism are now more frequent. The sharp divergence between rising property crimes and falling vehicle crime illustrates a shifting crime mix, with retail and public order issues taking precedence.

Leatherhead's crime rate in February 2025 remained stable at 8.7 per 1,000 residents, a 1.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.8. While this suggests no significant upward trend, the daily crime count of 4 incidents per day highlights the persistent presence of crime in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 115 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. This monthly exposure rate, though not alarmingly high, means residents are not immune to crime. The population context further illustrates that even minor fluctuations in crime numbers can have a measurable impact on local communities. For instance, the 90% increase in shoplifting and 100% rise in criminal damage and arson are stark departures from the previous month, suggesting that underlying factors—such as seasonal lulls or unaddressed community tensions—may be influencing these trends. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the sharp spikes in specific categories, emphasizing the need for targeted awareness.