Reigate and Banstead Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2023, Reigate and Banstead recorded a crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents, 21.7% below the UK average of 8.3. This figure positions the area as one of the safer local authority districts in England, though the breakdown of crimes reveals a complex picture of local challenges. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.8% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and shoplifting (9.4%). These figures align with the area’s suburban and rural character, where public spaces and retail centres are common, but the population density is lower than in major cities. The prevalence of violence and sexual offences, while below the UK average, may be influenced by the local demographics and the presence of schools and community hubs that attract both residents and visitors. Seasonal factors also play a role, as July is a peak month for tourism, festivals, and outdoor events, which can drive shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. However, the area’s lower crime rate compared to the UK suggests that community policing strategies, local initiatives, and the overall socio-economic profile of Reigate and Banstead may contribute to this relative safety. The absence of significant spikes in violent crime, despite the summer season, is a positive indicator that local authorities and residents have successfully managed to mitigate risks associated with increased foot traffic and social activity.

July 2023 saw significant increases in shoplifting (+77.8%) and bicycle theft (+100.0%), both of which may be tied to the summer season and increased foot traffic from festivals and events. These rises contrast with declines in theft from the person (-33.3%) and possession of weapons (-30.0%), suggesting a possible shift in criminal focus towards property-related offences rather than violent acts. The area’s violent crime rate (2.3 per 1,000) is 17% below the UK average, a notable achievement that may reflect effective community policing or the area’s suburban character, which typically sees fewer violent incidents than urban centres. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.0 per 1,000, is 30% below the UK average, due to the area’s lower population density and stronger community engagement. Residents might find the sharp increase in shoplifting particularly relevant, as it highlights vulnerabilities in retail security during peak tourist months.

Reigate and Banstead's crime rate in July 2023 remained stable compared to the previous month, with a 1.4% increase from 6.4 to 6.5 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no significant short-term fluctuations in criminal activity, though seasonal factors may still influence patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 33 crimes per day in July, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the local community. When scaled to the population, this equates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 155 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, reflecting the area’s generally safer profile. The population of 159,134 means that while individual incidents are relatively rare, the cumulative effect of 1,026 crimes still requires attention from local authorities and residents. The stability in crime rates contrasts with the UK-wide trend, where higher rates are more common in densely populated urban centres. This comparison highlights Reigate and Banstead’s position as a locality with comparatively lower levels of criminal activity, though the persistence of certain crime types—such as violence and anti-social behaviour—remains a focus for ongoing monitoring.