Caterham Crime Rate

Caterham presents a complex picture regarding crime. With a crime rate of 78.6 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025, the area sees a higher rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. However, the safety score of 83/100 indicates a general perception of safety within the community. Notably, crime has been increasing year-on-year, rising by a significant 10.0%. This upward trend is reflected in monthly data, with crime rates fluctuating but generally trending upwards throughout the year. Understanding these patterns is vital for residents and local authorities alike.

Caterham's crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern, with violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent, accounting for 32.9% of all recorded incidents. These were followed by anti-social behaviour (14.5%) and public order offences (13.0%). Overall property crime, while lower than some other categories, still represents a significant concern, with a rate of 23.0 per 1,000 residents annually. The prevalence of these crimes likely reflects a combination of factors including the area's population density, the presence of local businesses, and potentially socioeconomic factors that contribute to community tensions. While the area benefits from a degree of suburban tranquility, the reality is that crime remains a factor in the lives of many residents.

The upward trend in crime rates within Caterham is concerning, representing a 10.0% year-on-year increase. While monthly fluctuations occur, the overall trajectory indicates a worsening situation. For instance, crime rates peaked in August 2025 at 8.5 per 1,000, significantly higher than the 6.1 rate observed in January 2025. The figures for December 2025 show a slight decrease to 5.3 per 1,000, but this does not negate the overall escalating trend. This increase necessitates proactive measures from both law enforcement and the community to address the underlying causes and mitigate the risk to residents.

How To Keep Safe in Caterham

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when out alone at night. Consider walking with a friend or utilising well-lit routes. Anti-social behaviour is also a concern, so report any suspicious activity to the police. When at home, ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security lighting. Finally, be vigilant regarding vehicle crime – park in well-lit areas and consider a steering wheel lock.

Crimes in Caterham tend to follow distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), burglaries account for 7% of incidents, with theft being the most prevalent crime at 52%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a continuation of theft (58%), while burglaries increase slightly to 12%. The evening (6pm-12am) is characterised by a shift towards theft (24%), and vehicle crime rises to 17%. However, the night (12am-6am) exhibits the most concerning pattern, with burglaries representing 14% of incidents and vehicle crime peaking at 43%, suggesting a heightened risk during these hours.

When considering safety, Caterham's statistics are somewhat mixed compared to neighbouring areas. Chaldon has a considerably lower crime rate of 33.7 per 1,000, suggesting a safer environment. Conversely, Whyteleafe mirrors Caterham’s rate closely at 82.5 per 1,000, while Woldingham Garden Village boasts a remarkably low rate of 0.0, indicating an exceptionally safe area. Warlingham, with a rate of 50.2 per 1,000, falls somewhere in between, highlighting the varied safety profiles across the Tandridge district.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred, offering little preventative value. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another. scOS offers a proactive approach, utilising AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors all cameras, instantly verifying vehicle registrations with the DVLA database and learning the routines of your family and deliveries. This ensures that only genuine threats trigger an alert, creating an element of surprise for potential intruders. The visible presence of scOS, with its autonomous lighting and speaker system, acts as a powerful deterrent – many burglars decide within those crucial 60 seconds to move on.