Horley Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 30,982 residents, 182 crimes were reported in Horley during September 2023, translating to a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 people. This figure is 26.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a significant deviation that underscores the area's relative safety. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (70 incidents, 38.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (33 incidents, 18.1%) and criminal damage and arson (23 incidents, 12.6%). The seasonal context of September—marking the start of the academic year and freshers' week—may contribute to the prominence of violent crimes, as heightened social activity in the area could lead to increased conflicts. However, the data also shows a marked divergence from national trends: anti-social behaviour and violence are both below UK averages, while criminal damage and arson are 17% above the national rate. This suggests that while the area may have effective community policing or social programs addressing violent crime, factors such as property maintenance or local regulations may be lacking in preventing damage and arson. The absence of theft from the person incidents (0.0 per 1,000) and the 82% drop in shoplifting compared to the UK average indicate that retail areas may be particularly well-secured or less frequented by transient populations. These patterns align with Horley's character as a built-up area within Reigate and Banstead, where a mix of residential and commercial spaces may create unique crime dynamics. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (0.6 per 1,000) and burglary (0.2 per 1,000) compared to the UK average suggest that local infrastructure, such as secure parking or community monitoring, may be playing a role in deterring these crimes.

September 2023 saw a dramatic 240% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 5 to 17 incidents. This sharp rise may be linked to seasonal changes, such as increased traffic during freshers' week or heightened opportunities in residential areas. Concurrently, possession of weapons surged by 200%, moving from 1 to 3 reported cases—a figure that, while still below the UK average, warrants attention. In contrast, shoplifting fell by 50% (from 4 to 2 incidents), possibly due to the start of the academic year reducing foot traffic in retail areas. Violent crimes, accounting for 38.5% of all incidents, remained 16% below the UK average, suggesting local factors such as community engagement or policing strategies may be contributing to this trend. The 25% increase in vehicle crime above the UK average highlights a specific vulnerability in Horley compared to national benchmarks.

In September 2023, Horley's crime rate rose to 5.9 per 1,000 residents, a 17.4% increase from August's 5.0 per 1,000. This translates to roughly 6 crimes reported each day within the built-up area, a figure that, while locally specific, provides context for residents assessing their monthly risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 170 residents, a ratio that, when compared to the UK average, highlights Horley's relatively safer standing. However, this monthly exposure does not account for variations in population density or local demographics. The increase in vehicle crime (+240%) and possession of weapons (+200%) contrasts with declines in shoplifting (-50%) and other theft (-46.7%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. These changes may reflect seasonal factors such as back-to-school routines or increased traffic during freshers' week from the data alone.