Tadworth and Epsom Downs Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

A 200% surge in drugs-related crimes in May 2023 stands out as the most unexpected shift in Tadworth and Epsom Downs’ crime profile. The area’s overall crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents places it 36.3% below the UK average of 8.0, a stark contrast to the national trend. Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 39% of all incidents, with 53 recorded cases — 28% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, making up 16.2% of the total, and is 40% below the national rate. These figures suggest a community where violent crime remains a concern but is mitigated by broader social factors, such as the area’s suburban character and proximity to larger urban centres. Seasonal context may also play a role: longer evenings and bank holidays in May could have increased outdoor socialising, contributing to the rise in public order offences. However, the sharp increase in drugs-related crimes — which more than tripled from one to three incidents — defies immediate explanation, reflecting broader regional trends or unobserved local dynamics. The lower-than-average rates for property crimes, including burglary (35% below UK average) and shoplifting (80% below UK average), align with the area’s relatively low retail density and suburban environment, where commercial activity is less concentrated than in major cities.

May 2023 saw three significant shifts in crime patterns: drugs-related offences surged by 200% (from 1 to 3), public order offences also rose 200% (from 5 to 15), and burglary increased by 150% (from 2 to 5). These jumps contrast with declines in other categories, including criminal damage and arson (down 52.4%) and vehicle crime (down 33.3%). The spike in public order offences may be linked to May’s extended evenings and bank holidays, which can heighten social interactions in public spaces. The area’s violent crime rate remains 28% below the UK average (2.0 vs 2.8 per 1,000), despite the 53 recorded incidents. This suggests that while violence persists, local factors — such as community policing efforts or the area’s demographic makeup — may be tempering its prevalence. The sharp drop in vehicle crime (from 21 to 14) could reflect seasonal shifts, as warmer weather may reduce car-related theft or alter parking patterns. Residents might find the 80% UK average deficit for shoplifting (2 cases vs 0.5 per 1,000) reassuring, indicating that retail areas in Tadworth and Epsom Downs face fewer theft incidents than typical for their size.

Tadworth and Epsom Downs’ crime rate rose by 30.8% from 3.9 to 5.1 per 1,000 residents between April and May 2023, marking a notable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day in May — a figure that, while low compared to urban centres, reflects the built-up nature of the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 198 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is well below the average for similarly sized communities. This suggests a relatively safe environment. increase raises questions about emerging local factors. When scaled to the population of 26,925, the 136 total crimes translate to a manageable level of risk for residents, particularly when compared to the UK average. The contrast between the area’s low property crime rates (e.g. burglary at 0.2 per 1,000) and its higher-than-average violent crime rate (2.0 per 1,000) highlights the need for targeted policing strategies. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the month-on-month rise underscores the importance of monitoring trends, especially in categories like drugs and public order offences that saw sharp increases. This data offers residents a clear picture of their local crime profile, balancing reassurance with the need for vigilance in specific areas.