Caterham Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Caterham

Caterham reports an annual crime rate of 80.1 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment. The area has a safety score of 82 out of 100, surpassing the national average of 78. However, Caterham has experienced an increasing trend in crime, with a 13.6% rise year-over-year. This introduction sets the context for understanding the specific crime challenges and patterns within Caterham, providing residents and visitors with a clear overview of local safety.

Crime Type Analysis in Caterham

In Caterham, Violence and sexual offences represent the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 645 incidents, or 35.9% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 28.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, with 242 reports (13.4% of total), followed closely by Public order offences, with 235 incidents (13.1% of total). These top three categories highlight key areas of concern within the community.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at a rate of 21.5 per 1,000 people in Caterham. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Notable property crime figures include 42 burglaries (1.9 per 1,000), 73 vehicle crimes (3.2 per 1,000), and 121 other thefts (5.4 per 1,000). While the overall property crime rate is favourable, residents and homeowners should remain vigilant, especially concerning vehicle-related and other theft, to protect their assets.

Crime Trends in Caterham

Caterham has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a 13.6% rise year-over-year. This upward trajectory indicates a need for residents to be aware of evolving safety dynamics. Monthly crime rate data, expressed per 1,000 residents, shows fluctuations throughout the year. For example, the rate was 6.9 in October 2024, dipped to 4.8 in February 2025, but then generally increased, reaching highs of 8.5 in August 2025 and 7.2 in September 2025. This pattern suggests that while there are monthly variations, the overall trend points towards a gradual increase in reported incidents. Understanding these trends can help residents and local authorities focus efforts on preventative measures during periods of higher crime activity.

Crime Time Patterns in Caterham

Analysing crime patterns by time of day in Caterham provides valuable insights into when specific offences are more likely to occur. During the morning hours (6am - 12pm), theft-related offences are prominent at 52%, alongside vehicle crime at 15%. This suggests a pattern linked to commuter activity and commercial openings. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) continues to see theft as the leading crime type at 57%, likely due to increased activity in retail and public spaces. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes become more significant at 48%, with theft reducing to 25% and vehicle crime at 16%, possibly reflecting social activities and darker hours. Night-time (12am - 6am) is characterised by a notable increase in vehicle crime at 41% and burglaries at 15%, indicating opportunistic offences when properties are unattended and streets are quieter.

Comparing Caterham with Nearby Areas

To understand Caterham's safety profile within its regional context, it's helpful to compare it with neighbouring settlements. Caterham's overall crime rate of 80.1 per 1,000 residents is generally higher than quieter areas like Chaldon and Woldingham Garden Village, which typically exhibit lower crime figures. However, it is comparable to or lower than other built-up areas such as Whyteleafe and Warlingham, which form part of the broader local authority. These comparisons provide a localised perspective, highlighting that while Caterham is safer than the UK average, its urban nature means it experiences a different crime landscape compared to its more rural neighbours, offering valuable context for residents.

Protecting Your Property in Caterham

With Caterham's property crime rate at 21.5 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, it's important for residents to consider robust security measures. Relying solely on reactive security, like traditional cameras that only record a break-in, offers footage but not prevention. Instead, systems like scOS provide proactive protection by using AI to detect threats at your property's boundary, stopping crime before it escalates.

ScOS's multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, learning your routines to only alert on genuine threats. This professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, unlike basic DIY systems. Burglars often decide within 60 seconds whether to proceed; a visible and actively deterring system like scOS, which can activate lights and engage speakers, can make them move on. For Caterham residents seeking genuine peace of mind, investing in proactive, AI-powered security offers a significant advantage in safeguarding their homes and belongings.