Lightwater Crime Rate

Lightwater is an exceptionally secure residential area with a safety score of 91/100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate stands at 42.6 per 1,000 people per year, remarkably low compared to the national average of 93.1. However, residents should note that crime has increased by 49.2% over the past 12 months, a significant rise from a very low baseline. Property crime is also relatively low compared to the UK average, though shoplifting and vehicle crime remain points of note in the local community. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics, trends, and timing to help residents stay informed and safe.

Crime in Lightwater

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Lightwater, accounting for 29.4% of the total. Shoplifting is also significant at 18.3%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.6%. Collectively, property-related crime—including burglary, theft, and vehicle offences—occurs at a rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.9, other theft and vehicle crime collectively make up 18.3% of reports, suggesting that opportunistic theft is a persistent issue. Burglary rates are relatively low at 2.0 per 1,000 people, but the significant increase in overall crime suggests that both residential and commercial properties require effective deterrents to maintain the area's safety.

Crime Trends in Lightwater

The crime rate in Lightwater has increased by 49.2% over the past 12 months. Monthly data shows that the rate was highest in September 2025 at 5.2 per 1,000 people, followed by 5.0 in October. This significant upward trend, while starting from a very low base, suggests that residents should be more proactive about their personal and property security. The rate was lowest in February 2025 at 1.5 per 1,000. This notable increase in reported incidents is a point for continued community vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Lightwater

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Lightwater, often occurring in social or domestic settings. To enhance your personal safety, consider the following advice:

1. When walking in the area at night, stick to well-lit main roads and try to avoid poorly lit footpaths or parks.
2. Be a proactive neighbour; join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any recent incidents and share safety tips.
3. Report any anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity to the local police promptly to help them target their resources effectively.
4. Ensure your home is secure by using high-quality locks on all doors and windows, and consider installing a smart security system.
5. Secure your vehicles at all times, ideally in a locked garage or behind a secure gate, and never leave valuables on display.

Crime Timing in Lightwater

Analysis of crime timing in Lightwater reveals a strong correlation between the time of day and the type of offence. Theft-related crimes are most frequent during the daylight hours, particularly in the afternoon (12 pm to 6 pm) where they make up 63% of reports, likely driven by local retail activity. As night falls, the focus shifts towards vehicle crime. Between midnight and 6 am, vehicle-related offences account for a significant 49% of all reported activity. Burglary remains a consistent threat throughout the day, peaking slightly in the night-time period. These patterns suggest that while retail and home security are vital during the day, vehicle and perimeter protection should be the primary focus for residents during the night-time hours.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Lightwater offers an exceptionally safe residential environment with a crime rate of 42.6. This is significantly lower than the rates in nearby Bagshot (97.3) and Bisley (75.0). It is also safer than Windlesham (31.8). Interestingly, nearby Chobham reports a crime rate of 0.0, suggesting Lightwater is one of the more active but still highly secure residential areas in this part of Surrey Heath. Overall, it remains one of the most secure settlements in the region.

With a property crime rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents, Lightwater is a safe area, but its residential nature and the significant 49.2% increase in overall crime mean that homes and vehicles can still be targets for opportunistic crime. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For true peace of mind, proactive protection is a superior strategy. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundary and can distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious intruder. If an unknown person enters your property at night, the system can autonomously activate lights or audible warnings, deterring the threat before they reach your home. This proactive approach is particularly effective in an area like Lightwater, where vehicle crime is a notable concern at night, ensuring your property remains an active part of your safety strategy.