Runnymede Crime Rate

Runnymede is a safe and desirable borough in Surrey, featuring an overall crime rate of 82.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 81/100 (where the UK average is 78). While the borough remains a low-crime area, recent data shows a 6.1% increase in total offences year-over-year. This upward trend is a reminder for residents to remain proactive about their security, even in traditionally safer regions. The following report breaks down the specific types of crime occurring in the district and examines the monthly trends to help you understand the local safety environment.

About Runnymede

Runnymede is a diverse borough in Surrey, characterised by a mix of affluent residential areas, significant historic sites, and major educational institutions like Royal Holloway, University of London. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its position as a gateway between London and the South East, with major transport links including the M25 and M3.

The borough's population of 92,118 is spread across urban centres like Egham and Addlestone, as well as more rural settlements. These varied environments contribute to a crime rate that is generally lower than the UK average. The presence of high-value residential properties in areas like Virginia Water, combined with the transient student population in Egham, creates a unique security profile. Economic factors in the region are generally positive, but the concentration of wealth can make the area a target for property-related offences. Furthermore, the borough's parklands and tourist attractions, such as the Magna Carta memorial, draw visitors which can influence anti-social behaviour and public order statistics.

Crime in Runnymede

The crime profile in Runnymede is led by violence and sexual offences, which make up 34.6% of all recorded incidents (2,625 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 14.5%, followed by public order offences at 9.5%. These categories reflect the social challenges typical of a borough with a mix of busy town centres and high-traffic transport hubs.

Property crime in Runnymede, including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts, occurs at a combined rate of 26.6 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Burglary specifically accounts for 3.5% of total crime (268 incidents), while vehicle crime makes up 4.6%. For homeowners, this means that while the overall risk is lower than in many other parts of the country, property protection remains a key concern, particularly given the borough's relative affluence which can attract opportunistic thieves. Criminal damage and arson also represent a notable 7.7% of local offences, suggesting that visible security deterrents are important for maintaining property integrity.

Crime Trends in Runnymede

Runnymede has experienced a 6.1% increase in crime over the last 12 months. An analysis of the monthly trend data shows a fluctuating but generally upward trajectory throughout 2025. The year began with relatively low rates, dipping to a minimum of 5.4 in February. However, as the year progressed, the crime rate saw several spikes.

A significant increase was noted in April 2025, where the rate jumped to 8.0 per 1,000 people. While it settled slightly during the summer, another peak occurred in October 2025, reaching 8.4—the highest rate recorded in the 12-month period. This suggests that crime activity in the borough is more prevalent in the spring and autumn months. For residents, this pattern indicates that security vigilance should be particularly high during these transition periods, as the most recent data shows the borough at its highest crime level of the year.

In the local regional context, Runnymede's crime rate of 82.4 per 1,000 residents makes it an active area compared to some of its immediate Surrey neighbours. Areas such as Spelthorne, Woking, Elmbridge, and Surrey Heath all reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific dataset. Similarly, nearby major hubs like Slough and Hounslow also showed 0.0 recorded crimes, which may reflect differences in reporting or data collection for those specific periods. Within this comparison, Runnymede appears as a primary location for recorded activity. However, when compared to the broader UK average, Runnymede remains a significantly safer and more secure environment than most urban districts in the country. For residents, it offers a high standard of safety while still requiring standard urban precautions.

With a property crime rate of 26.6 per 1,000 residents, Runnymede is statistically safer than many parts of the UK, but the 6.1% increase in crime suggests that homeowners should not be complacent. Traditional security measures like Ring or Nest cameras have become popular, but they have a fundamental flaw: they are reactive. They record your burglary as it happens and notify you after the fact.

To truly protect a home in Runnymede, especially in more affluent neighbourhoods, a proactive system like scOS is recommended. scOS uses AI to monitor all your cameras simultaneously, identifying potential threats at your property's boundary. Instead of just recording an intruder, scOS can autonomously intervene by activating lights or speakers to destroy the element of surprise. This proactive stance prevents the crime from occurring in the first place. With features like DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning, scOS provides a professional-grade security operating system that goes far beyond simple recording, offering the prevention-first approach that modern homeowners require.

How To Keep Safe in Runnymede

The most common crime in Runnymede is violence and sexual offences. While the borough is generally safe, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal and property security.

• Be Mindful in Town Centres: When visiting busy areas like Egham or Addlestone, especially during evening hours, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit main roads.
• Enhance Home Visibility: Ensure that the front of your property is clearly visible from the street. Trim high hedges that could provide cover for someone approaching your home.
• Secure Vehicles Overnight: Vehicle crime accounts for 4.6% of local offences. Always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any items, even low-value ones, on display.
• Participate in Community Watch: Engaging with local Neighbourhood Watch schemes can provide valuable information on recent trends and help foster a more secure community.
• Install Professional Security: Given the rise in local crime, moving from simple DIY cameras to a professional, proactive system can provide a significant deterrent to opportunistic criminals.