Reigate and Banstead Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Reigate and Banstead’s crime profile in January 2024, accounting for 38% of all reported incidents. This starkly contrasts with the area’s overall crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents, which is 25.7% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. The dominance of violent crime—331 incidents—over property crime (270 incidents) highlights a significant shift in the local crime profile compared to other areas. Seasonal factors likely contribute to this pattern; January’s post-holiday period, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail footfall may have amplified tensions in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour (133 incidents) and public order offences (86 incidents) further underscore the prevalence of non-violent but disruptive incidents. The low rates of shoplifting (0.3 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000)—each 40–47% below UK averages—suggest that the area’s suburban character, with fewer high-traffic retail zones and car parks, may limit opportunities for such crimes. However, the high proportion of violent crime raises questions about local factors, such as community dynamics or policing priorities, that could explain this deviation from the national trend.

January 2024 saw a 28.6% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 42 to 54 incidents. This uptick, though still below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, may reflect seasonal changes in parking patterns or increased vehicle movement during post-holiday travel. Conversely, robbery incidents fell by 50%, dropping from 8 to 4—a significant reduction that could indicate effective policing or deterrence measures in high-risk areas. The area’s performance on certain categories is striking: theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) and bicycle theft (0.0 per 1,000) were 100% below UK averages, suggesting that the local environment—likely with fewer crowded tourist spots or dedicated bike lanes—minimises these risks. Meanwhile, possession of weapons (0.1 per 1,000) was 43% above the UK average, a small but notable discrepancy that may warrant closer examination of local law enforcement strategies or community engagement efforts. For residents, the 50% drop in robbery offers a tangible reassurance, though the persistent dominance of violent crime underscores the need for targeted interventions.

Reigate and Banstead’s crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 in January 2024 marks a 2.1% increase from the previous month’s 5.4 per 1,000, reflecting minor fluctuations in incident reporting. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 28 crimes per day—a figure that, while seemingly high, translates to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 183 residents. This rate is lower than the UK average, which would equate to one crime per approximately 135 residents. The population context further highlights the area’s relative safety: with 159,134 residents, the 871 reported crimes represent a manageable burden compared to larger urban centres. However, the 2.1% month-on-month increase, though small, suggests that local conditions—such as weather patterns or temporary events—may influence crime trends. The comparison with the UK average reinforces Reigate and Banstead’s position as a safer area, particularly in categories like vehicle crime and shoplifting, where rates are significantly lower. This contrast with the national picture underscores the importance of localised factors in shaping crime profiles, even as broader trends in violent crime remain a concern.