Reigate Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Reigate's crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 in May 2024 places it 44% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, highlighting a significantly safer environment than the national picture. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (48 incidents, 40.7% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15 cases, 12.7%) and public order offences (10 cases, 8.5%). This distribution suggests a focus on community-based issues rather than property crime, which accounted for only 30.5% of total incidents (36 cases). The seasonal context of May—characterised by longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—may partly explain the higher proportion of violent crimes compared to other months. While the overall rate remains low, the area's relatively small population (25,220) and suburban character likely contribute to the reduced crime density compared to densely populated urban centres. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Reigate (1.9 per 1,000) is 33% below the UK average (2.8 per 1,000), indicating effective local policing or community engagement strategies that may mitigate tensions during peak social hours. The lower incidence of property crime, particularly shoplifting (down 54.5% from April) and vehicle crime (down 50%), suggests either successful deterrent measures or seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic during bank holidays. However, the 100% increase in bicycle theft compared to April may reflect the growing popularity of cycling in the area, a trend consistent with national efforts to promote sustainable transport. These patterns underscore the need for targeted interventions that align with local demographics and seasonal rhythms.

May 2024 saw significant fluctuations in crime types, with shoplifting decreasing by 54.5% (from 22 to 10 cases) and vehicle crime dropping by 50% (from 4 to 2 cases). These declines may reflect heightened police visibility during bank holidays or reduced retail activity. Conversely, bicycle theft surged by 100% (from 0 to 1 case), a stark increase that could signal the growing presence of cyclists in Reigate, particularly as warmer weather encourages outdoor commuting. Other crime also rose sharply by 66.7% (from 3 to 5 cases), though the specific nature of these incidents remains unclear without further breakdown. The violent crime category—dominated by 48 cases of violence and sexual offences—remains 33% below the UK average (2.8 per 1,000), suggesting that local factors such as community policing or social cohesion initiatives may be effective. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.6 per 1,000, is 59% below the UK average (1.4 per 1,000), a gap that could be attributed to Reigate's suburban character, which may foster more stable social environments compared to urban areas. Public order offences also fell 37% below the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), reinforcing the area's comparatively low levels of disorder. For residents, the 54.5% drop in shoplifting offers a tangible benefit, reducing losses for local businesses and enhancing perceptions of safety during peak shopping periods.

Reigate's crime rate in May 2024 (4.7 per 1,000) represents a 4.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.9 per 1,000, indicating a slight but consistent downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may seem high to residents but is offset by the area's relatively small population of 25,220. When contextualised, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 214 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Reigate's crime density is far below that of larger urban centres, where higher population concentrations often correlate with increased crime rates. For instance, the 44% gap between Reigate's rate and the UK average is particularly striking given the area's suburban infrastructure, which typically supports lower crime rates through features such as well-maintained public spaces and community-oriented policing. The 54.5% decline in shoplifting compared to April may also reflect seasonal patterns, with reduced foot traffic during bank holidays lowering opportunities for such crimes. However, the 100% increase in bicycle theft highlights the need for tailored security measures, such as improved bike parking in public areas, to address this emerging trend. These comparisons underscore the importance of viewing crime statistics within both local and national contexts, ensuring that policy responses are proportionate to the unique characteristics of Reigate.