Reigate and Banstead Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile in Reigate and Banstead during November 2023, accounting for 35.8% of all reported crimes. This category, at 2.1 per 1,000 residents, was 19% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, reflecting a broader trend of lower violent crime rates in the area. The overall crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 was 22.7% below the UK average of 7.5, a significant gap that positions Reigate and Banstead as one of the safer districts in England. This relative safety is reinforced by the low rates of other categories such as burglary (0.2 per 1,000, 41% below UK average) and shoplifting (0.3 per 1,000, 45% below UK average). However, the dominance of violent crime raises questions about local factors, such as the impact of seasonal events like Bonfire Night and the heightened social activity associated with Black Friday shopping. The darker evenings in November may have contributed to increased incidents of violence, as lower visibility and colder weather can influence public behaviour. While property crimes such as vehicle crime and other thefts showed declines, the persistent focus on violent crime suggests that targeted interventions in high-risk areas or times could be beneficial. The area’s character—likely a suburban commuter belt with a mix of residential and retail zones—may explain the balance between lower property crime rates and relatively higher violent crime rates, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this hypothesis.

November 2023 saw a 40% increase in robbery, rising from 5 to 7 incidents—a sharp spike that contrasts with the overall downward trend in crime. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 10.7%, from 159 to 176 cases, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and the early shopping rush. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 33%, from 88 to 59, a decline that may reflect reduced car usage during the holiday period or improved security measures. The breakdown of crime types reveals a striking contrast with national averages: violence and sexual offences in Reigate and Banstead are 19% below the UK rate, while anti-social behaviour is 5% above. This divergence suggests local dynamics—such as the area’s suburban character and proximity to commuter routes—play a role in shaping crime patterns. For residents, the 33% drop in bicycle theft offers a tangible benefit, though the rise in robbery highlights the need for vigilance in public spaces.

Reigate and Banstead's crime rate in November 2023 (5.8 per 1,000) marked a 7.7% decrease from the previous month's 6.3 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. This monthly aggregate translates to roughly 31 crimes reported per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in the area. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for every 173 residents, a ratio that places the area well below the UK average when scaled to population size. While daily crime counts provide a snapshot of activity, the monthly exposure metric offers a broader perspective on how frequently residents encounter crime. This 1-in-173 figure underscores the relatively low risk profile of the district compared to national benchmarks, though local fluctuations—such as the 40% rise in robbery—suggest that specific incidents can still significantly impact the overall picture. The population context further highlights that even with a total of 921 crimes, the rate remains proportionally low, reinforcing the area’s status as one of the safer local authority districts in England.