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

For a population of 21,149 residents, 146 crimes were recorded in Sunbury-on-Thames during October 2024. This translates to a crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 14.8% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (26% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and public order offences (11.6%). These figures align with the area's character as a commuter-focused town with a mix of residential and retail spaces, though the relatively low crime rate suggests effective local policing or community engagement strategies. Seasonal factors may have influenced patterns, as October's darker evenings and Halloween activities could contribute to increased anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. The lower-than-average rates for violent crime and property crime—particularly shoplifting, which was 31% below the UK average—suggest that Sunbury's community-focused initiatives or spatial layout (such as well-lit public areas) may help deter certain offences. However, the 43% increase in public order offences compared to the UK average highlights a need for targeted interventions in high-traffic zones during peak hours. The crime profile reflects a balance between urban and suburban characteristics, with retail and residential areas coexisting in a way that may both foster and mitigate criminal activity depending on local conditions.

October 2024 saw sharp increases in shoplifting (+233.3%) and bicycle theft (+150.0%) compared to September, with shoplifting rising from 3 to 10 incidents and bicycle theft doubling from 2 to 5. These jumps may reflect Halloween-related activity or seasonal changes in retail footfall. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson fell by 33.3% (from 12 to 8), possibly due to increased patrols or community reporting during the month. Violent crime remains a significant concern, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 26% of all crimes—though this category is 33% below the UK average. Public order offences, however, stood at 43% above the UK average, suggesting challenges in managing crowds during events or late-night hours. Vehicle crime also rose above the UK average by 49%, which may be linked to the area's commuter traffic patterns and the presence of car parks near major transport hubs. The rate of bicycle theft is 150% above the UK average, a stark contrast to shoplifting's 31% deficit, highlighting divergent trends in different crime categories. Residents may find the 15% reduction in anti-social behaviour (from 1.3 to 1.1 per 1,000) encouraging, though the 43% spike in public order offences indicates areas requiring further attention.

The crime rate in Sunbury-on-Thames rose by 19.6% from 5.8 per 1,000 in September to 6.9 per 1,000 in October, reflecting a monthly increase that could be attributed to seasonal factors or changes in local activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 5 crimes per day in October—a figure that, while seemingly low, underscores the frequency of incidents in a community of 21,149 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 145 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly lower than the UK average but varies depending on local demographics and policing efforts. When compared to the UK average, Sunbury's crime profile shows a mix of strengths and areas for improvement: while violent crime and shoplifting are below the national average, public order offences and vehicle crime are significantly higher. This contrast may be explained by the area's commuter-focused nature, which brings in transient populations and increases the risk of vehicle-related crimes, while the relatively stable residential environment may contribute to lower rates of violent crime. The 150% increase in bicycle theft compared to September, despite being 150% above the UK average, suggests a need for targeted measures such as secure bike parking or community education initiatives to address this trend.