Lightwater Crime Rate

Lightwater, within Surrey Heath, presents a complex picture regarding crime. With an annual crime rate of 46.6 per 1,000 residents, it sits above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While this indicates a higher level of reported crime compared to the national average, the area maintains a safety score of 90/100, suggesting a perceived sense of safety amongst residents. The period from January 2025 to December 2025 has seen a significant increase in crime, rising by 56.4% year-on-year. This upward trend warrants closer examination and proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the ongoing safety of the community.

Lightwater's crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest proportion of recorded crimes, accounting for 28.5% of all incidents (87 crimes). Shoplifting follows closely behind at 21.6% (66 crimes), indicating potential issues within local retail environments. Anti-social behaviour represents a further 13.4% (41 crimes), suggesting community disorder concerns. Other theft contributes 10.8% (33 crimes), while criminal damage and arson account for 6.6% (20 crimes). Vehicle crime, though lower at 5.9% (18 crimes), remains a noteworthy area of concern, as does public order (3.9%, 12 crimes). The relatively low number of burglaries (3.6%, 11 crimes) may reflect the area's predominantly residential nature, but still warrants attention. The prevalence of these crime types highlights a need for targeted interventions and community engagement to address the root causes.

The most concerning aspect of Lightwater’s crime statistics is the substantial 56.4% year-on-year increase. This upward trend is evident across multiple months of the data period, January 2025 to December 2025. Monthly crime rates fluctuated, with a relatively low of 1.5 per 1,000 in February 2025, but consistently exceeded 3.0 per 1,000 for the remainder of the year, peaking at 5.2 per 1,000 in September 2025 and 5.0 per 1,000 in December 2025. This sharp increase demands immediate attention and a comprehensive review of crime prevention strategies to reverse this worrying trend and restore a sense of safety within the community.

How To Keep Safe in Lightwater

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider walking with a companion. Due to the significant incidence of shoplifting, remain vigilant when in retail environments, keeping valuables secure and reporting any suspicious activity. With vehicle crime also a concern, ensure your vehicle is parked in a well-lit area and that all doors and windows are locked. Finally, be aware of anti-social behaviour and report any incidents to the relevant authorities. Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to foster a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility for safety.

Crime in Lightwater exhibits varying patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the morning (7%), afternoon (13%), and evening (14%). Theft is a significant concern, particularly during the afternoon (66%). Vehicle crime shows a concerning trend of higher incidence during the night (51%), suggesting potential targeting of parked vehicles. Violence tends to be concentrated during the evening (0%) and night (0%) hours. This distribution underscores the need for targeted security measures and increased vigilance during peak crime times.

Lightwater's crime rate stands in contrast to its neighbouring areas. Bagshot, with a significantly higher rate of 95.8 per 1,000, presents a greater risk. Windlesham, however, boasts a considerably lower rate of 27.6 per 1,000, while Chobham reports an exceptionally low rate of 0.0. Bisley (Surrey Heath) has a rate of 79.5 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight Lightwater’s position within the local landscape and underscore the variability of crime risk across the Surrey Heath region.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a record of events after they've occurred, offering little in the way of actual prevention. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively protecting your property is another. Systems like scOS leverage AI to detect threats at the property boundary, using multi-camera intelligence to watch all angles simultaneously. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning recognises your family and routines, minimising false alarms. This autonomous response – lights activating, speakers engaging – creates an element of surprise, often deterring potential intruders before they even attempt entry. The 60-second decision point for many burglars is crucial; visible scOS security makes that decision easy – they move on.