Caterham Crime Rate

Caterham Crime Statistics

Caterham is a relatively safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 79.1 per 1,000 people per year. This is comfortably below the UK national average of 93.1, and the area boasts a high safety score of 82/100. However, the crime trend in Caterham is currently increasing, with an 11.9% rise year-over-year. This upward movement is something for residents to monitor, as it indicates a shift in the local safety environment. Despite this increase, Caterham remains a popular and secure residential area within the Tandridge district. This report breaks down the local data to help you understand when and where crimes are most likely to occur and how you can best protect yourself and your property.

Crime Breakdown in Caterham

Caterham's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.5% of all recorded incidents, a rate of 27.3 per 1,000 people. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (13.4%) and public order offences (13.2%). Together, these categories highlight that social and interpersonal issues are the most frequent challenges in the local urban environment.

Property crime in Caterham is relatively low compared to the UK average, with a rate of 21.9 per 1,000 residents. This includes 134 instances of 'other theft' (7.5%), 110 cases of criminal damage and arson (6.2%), and 72 vehicle crimes (4.0%). Burglary makes up 2.2% of the total crime volume. While these numbers are encouraging, the 11.9% year-over-year increase in overall crime suggests that property owners should remain alert. The data shows that vehicle crime and burglary are particularly concentrated during the night-time hours, making high-quality overnight security a priority for those with vehicles parked on the street or in driveways.

Caterham Crime Trends

Caterham is currently experiencing a notable upward trend in crime, with an 11.9% increase year-over-year. The monthly data for 2024 and 2025 provides a clear picture of this rise. After starting at 5.9 crimes per 1,000 people in November 2024, the rate dipped to 4.8 in February 2025. However, from that point, a sustained increase began.

The rate climbed steadily through the spring and summer, reaching a high of 8.5 in August 2025. This peak suggests that the warmer months see a significant increase in local activity and associated crime. Although the rate dropped back to 5.9 in October, the overall trajectory for the year remains higher than the previous 12-month period. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and adapting security measures to meet the changing local risk environment, particularly during the busy summer season.

How To Keep Safe in Caterham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Caterham. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening hours when public order offences also increase.

When walking home from the station or local shops at night, stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid unlit footpaths. Because vehicle crime is a significant issue at night (41% of night-time crime), always ensure your car is parked in a garage or a well-lit area, and never leave valuables inside. If you are out during the afternoon, be mindful of theft-related offences, which peak at 60% during this time; keep your bags zipped and your phone secure. For homeowners, the fact that burglaries occur throughout the afternoon, evening, and night means that constant vigilance is required. Ensure all doors and windows are locked whenever you leave the house, even for a few minutes. These simple, proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk in this urban environment.

Crime Timing in Caterham

In Caterham, the timing of crimes follows a distinct pattern based on the type of offence. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) are dominated by theft-related crimes, which account for 55% and 60% of incidents respectively. This likely reflects activity around Caterham's retail and commercial areas during peak business hours.

As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, become more prominent, making up 46% of the total. However, the most significant shift occurs during the night-time hours (12am-6am). During this period, vehicle crime surges to 41% of all recorded incidents, and burglary reaches its daily peak at 15%. This data suggests that while the daytime is a period for high-volume opportunistic theft, the night-time is when properties and vehicles are at their highest risk, necessitating robust overnight security measures for all residents.

Local Area Comparison

Within the Tandridge region, Caterham sits in a diverse safety landscape. Its crime rate of 79.1 per 1,000 is higher than the nearby village of Chaldon (36.5) and the neighbouring town of Warlingham (50.7). However, it is safer than Whyteleafe, which has a higher rate of 89.9. Areas like Woldingham Garden Village report a 0.0 crime rate, highlighting the difference between the more populated urban centre of Caterham and its smaller, more rural neighbours. For those seeking an urban environment with good transport links to London, Caterham offers a strong safety profile, especially when compared to the much higher crime rates typically found in the nearby London boroughs.

Proactive Security for Caterham Properties

With an increasing crime trend of 11.9% and a property crime rate of 21.9 per 1,000, Caterham residents should consider upgrading their home security. Traditional CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they record a crime while it is happening or after it has finished. To truly protect your home and vehicles—especially given that vehicle crime accounts for 41% of night-time offences in Caterham—you need a proactive system.

scOS (Security Operating System) provides this by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. Instead of just notifying you of a break-in, scOS identifies suspicious activity and can autonomously respond by activating lights and speakers to deter the intruder. Its multi-camera intelligence means it never blinks and can distinguish between your family members and a potential threat. For Caterham homeowners, this means preventing a crime before it results in damage or loss. Moving to a professional-grade, AI-driven system like scOS is the most effective way to address the rising local crime trend and ensure your property remains a safe haven.