Caterham Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Caterham’s built-up area recorded a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents in December 2023, placing it 18.1% below the UK average. This figure, though slightly higher than November’s 5.3, reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 30.8% of all incidents (41 cases), a category where Caterham’s rate of 1.8 per 1,000 was 31% below the UK average. This may be attributed to the area’s relatively low population density and the presence of local community support networks. Criminal damage and arson, however, rose sharply to 20 cases (15.0% of total), a 61% increase over the UK average. This anomaly could be linked to the festive season, with holiday decorations and unoccupied homes creating opportunities for such incidents. Anti-social behaviour (19 cases) and vehicle crime (15 cases) also featured prominently, though the latter remained 56% above the UK average. The seasonal context of December—characterised by extended darkness, Christmas shopping, and transient population movements—likely influenced these patterns. While the overall rate remained stable, the shift in crime composition underscores the need for targeted interventions during high-risk periods.

December 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. The most striking increase was in criminal damage and arson, which doubled from 10 to 20 incidents—a 100% rise. This surge, though unusual, aligns with seasonal factors such as holiday decorations and potentially unsecured properties during the festive period. Concurrently, violence and sexual offences fell by 18%, from 50 to 41, suggesting a possible reduction in alcohol-fueled incidents during the month. The drugs category also saw a 100% increase, rising from zero to two reported cases, a shift that may reflect heightened activity during the Christmas shopping period. Anti-social behaviour remained stable at 19 incidents, but this figure was 3% below the UK average. Shoplifting fell by 80% compared to the UK average, a stark contrast to other areas with higher retail footfall. These variations highlight the unique dynamics of Caterham’s built-up area, where community policing and local initiatives may be tempering broader seasonal trends.

Caterham's crime rate in December 2023 rose by 10.9% compared to November, moving from 5.3 to 5.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in local patterns during the festive season. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four reported crimes each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for every 169 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the relative safety of the area despite the rise. When considering Caterham’s population of 22,470, the 133 total crimes reported translate to a manageable scale for local policing efforts. This rate remains 18.1% below the UK average, highlighting Caterham’s continued position as a safer-than-average area. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, holiday-related activity, and temporary absences from homes—likely plays a role in the slight uptick.