Caterham Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 22,470, Caterham reported 150 crimes in October 2023, equating to 6.7 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 16.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, marking Caterham as a relatively safer area compared to the national context. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (62 incidents, 41.3% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (22 incidents) and criminal damage and arson (19 incidents). This distribution reflects a pattern often seen in built-up areas where community tensions and property-related disputes contribute to higher rates of violent and disorderly incidents. October's crime profile aligns with seasonal factors: the clocks going back, darker evenings, and Halloween activities may have influenced patterns. Violent crime rates in Caterham (2.8 per 1,000) are 4% above the UK average for this category, suggesting localized pressures that warrant further exploration. Conversely, anti-social behaviour is 22% below the UK average, possibly due to community policing efforts or lower population density in certain areas. The data also shows a notable absence of shoplifting (3 incidents) and burglary (2 incidents), both 83% and 71% below UK averages respectively, which may be attributed to effective retail security measures or the area's demographic profile. These findings paint a complex picture of a community where violent and property crimes are managed effectively, but specific categories require targeted attention.

October saw significant shifts in Caterham's crime profile. Drug-related crimes surged by 300% (from 2 to 8 incidents), marking the most dramatic increase. This spike may partly explain the broader rise in violent crime, which reached 62 incidents—4% above the UK average for this category. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 62.5% (from 8 to 3 incidents), and burglary dropped by 50% (from 4 to 2), both well below UK averages. The decrease in property crimes contrasts with the 111.1% increase in criminal damage and arson (from 9 to 19 incidents), suggesting a shift in criminal focus toward vandalism. Anti-social behaviour remained 22% below the UK average (1.0 per 1,000), a consistent trend that may reflect effective local initiatives. Residents should note that while violent crime is slightly elevated, property crime rates are significantly lower than national benchmarks, offering a nuanced view of Caterham's safety profile. The data also shows drug-related crimes are 100% above the UK average (0.4 per 1,000), highlighting a specific challenge that may require targeted interventions.

Caterham's crime rate in October (6.7 per 1,000) rose 12.8% compared to September's 5.9 per 1,000, indicating a notable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, underscores the ongoing need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 150 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualized against Caterham's population of 22,470, suggests a relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of risk. The comparison to the UK average also reveals disparities: while Caterham's overall rate is 16.2% lower than the national figure, specific categories like drug-related crimes are 100% above the UK average. These contrasts highlight the importance of localized analysis, as national trends may not always reflect the unique dynamics of a built-up area. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that Caterham's crime experience is distinct, with certain categories requiring focused attention while others remain well below national benchmarks.