Horley (Reigate and Banstead) Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2024, Horley (Reigate and Banstead) recorded 148 crimes across a population of 30,982, translating to a crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 37.7% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to the national context. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (53 cases, 35.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (29 cases, 19.6%) and public order offences (15 cases, 10.1%). These patterns align with the area's character as a built-up district within a larger borough, where community policing and local initiatives may contribute to lower rates of property crime. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university term time—may influence crime dynamics, with increased youth activity driving anti-social behaviour while reducing opportunities for theft or burglary. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting (up 300% from August) suggests a need to monitor retail areas closely during the autumn shopping period. The overall crime rate remains stable, with no significant spikes in violent crime despite the usual influx of students. This stability may be attributed to the area's established community structures and the presence of local amenities that foster a sense of security. While direct causal links, the interplay between seasonal factors and local demographics likely shapes these outcomes.

September saw a dramatic 300% increase in shoplifting, rising from 2 to 8 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average by 56%, may reflect the start of the autumn shopping season and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Conversely, burglary fell sharply by 66.7%, from 9 to 3 cases, possibly due to heightened community vigilance or seasonal changes in property activity. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 35.8% of all crimes, decreased by 32.1% compared to August, though they remain 35% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, dropped to 29 cases, 23% below the UK rate, suggesting a possible correlation with the return to structured routines after the summer. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns in a built-up area, where seasonal and social factors play a significant role.

Horley's crime rate in September 2024 dropped to 4.8 per 1,000, a 17.3% decrease from August's 5.8 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the seasonal shift as schools resumed and university freshers settled into routines, potentially reducing opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately five crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the local rhythm of a built-up area within Reigate and Banstead. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 209 residents, underscoring the relatively low exposure compared to the UK average. With a population of 30,982, the total of 148 crimes translates to a manageable burden for local services, though specific spikes in categories like shoplifting warrant closer attention. The drop in burglary and vehicle crime may partly reflect increased foot traffic in retail areas during the early autumn, though this remains speculative without further data.