The long-term crime trends in Windlesham, located within the Surrey Heath borough, present a mixed picture. Currently, Windlesham (defined as a Built-Up Area or BUA) has a population of 4239 people. Its crime rate stands at 27.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the United Kingdom’s national average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that Windlesham is generally a safer area compared to much of the country. The area also boasts a safety score of 94 out of 100, further reinforcing this perception – a score significantly above the UK average of 79.
However, the most recent data reveals an increasing trend in crime. The crime rate has risen by 5.4% year-on-year. While this increase might seem small in isolation, the upward trajectory warrants attention. It's important to remember that crime data can fluctuate, and a single year’s change doesn’t necessarily indicate a long-term pattern. Further data over multiple years would be needed to fully assess the sustainability of this trend.
It’s also vital to contextualise these figures. A lower crime rate compared to the national average does not mean crime is absent. The types of crimes occurring, and the perceptions of safety amongst residents, are also important factors. The data provided does not detail the nature of the crimes occurring in Windlesham; therefore, it’s difficult to determine if these are minor offences or more serious incidents. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the local authorities and engage with community safety initiatives to help maintain a secure environment.