Sunbury-on-Thames Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Sunbury-on-Thames during February 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences dominating the landscape. At 7.6 per 1,000 residents, the area's overall crime rate is 7.0% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, highlighting a slightly higher-than-average risk of encountering crime. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.1% of all reported crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average for this category (2.5 per 1,000, 16% below). This dominance of violent crime may partly explain the area's elevated overall rate, particularly given the proximity to London and the potential for transient populations to influence local crime patterns. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 16.3% of total crimes, with a 14% gap above the UK average. Vehicle crime, though less prevalent than violent offences, also stood out, with a rate of 0.8 per 1,000 (82% above the UK average), likely reflecting the area's commuter-oriented infrastructure and higher car ownership. Seasonal context suggests that February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have contributed to a concentration of indoor or targeted crimes. Theft from the person and shoplifting were both below the UK average, a trend consistent with Sunbury-on-Thames' relatively quiet, suburban character compared to more densely populated or tourist-heavy areas. This mix of crime types illustrates a community where violent incidents and anti-social conduct dominate, but property-related crimes remain high, pointing to specific vulnerabilities in local policing or environmental factors.

February 2024 saw sharp increases in three key categories: anti-social behaviour, burglary, and drug-related crimes. Anti-social behaviour rose by 100% compared to January, jumping from 13 to 26 incidents, a surge that may reflect heightened tensions during colder months or disruptions in community routines. Burglary also doubled, with 12 reported cases (up from 6), a rate of 0.6 per 1,000 that is 100% above the UK average. This spike could be linked to the area's proximity to London, where property crime often peaks during winter. Drug-related crimes saw the most dramatic jump, increasing by 200% from 2 to 6 cases, a figure that is 43% above the UK average. This sharp rise may signal shifts in local drug markets or increased police attention to such crimes. In contrast, several categories saw declines, including bicycle theft (-50%), robbery (-50%), and other crime (-50%). Vehicle crime, though 82% above the UK average, did not show a significant month-on-month change, suggesting persistent vulnerabilities in parking areas or vehicle security. The balance of violent and property crimes also shifted slightly, with violent offences maintaining a 38.1% share of total crimes, while property crimes collectively accounted for 43.5%, a mix that aligns with Sunbury-on-Thames' commuter town status and the potential for both targeted and opportunistic crime to coexist.

The crime rate in Sunbury-on-Thames for February 2024 (7.6 per 1,000) marked a 9.7% increase from the previous month's rate of 6.9 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 6 crimes per day over the 29-day month, a figure that, while not extreme, underscores the need for vigilance in local communities. Monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 132 residents, a ratio that is slightly higher than the UK average but not drastically so. Considering the population of 21,149, this suggests that while crime is not overwhelmingly prevalent, it is consistently present enough to warrant attention. The comparison to the UK average also reveals stark differences in specific categories: vehicle crime, for instance, is 82% above the UK rate, a discrepancy that may be attributable to Sunbury-on-Thames' commuter infrastructure and the associated risks of vehicle-related theft. Conversely, theft from the person and shoplifting are both below the UK average, a pattern that aligns with the area's more subdued, suburban environment compared to urban or tourist-heavy regions. These figures, when contextualized against the local population and geographic profile, illustrate a community where certain crime types are affected by its unique characteristics, such as its commuter status and proximity to London, while others remain relatively low due to its quieter, more residential nature.