Caterham Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 marked a combination of seasonal and local factors in Caterham, a built-up area within Tandridge, where the overall crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents placed it 14.1% below the UK average. This figure, while a slight increase from November's 5.9, remains well within the bounds of a safer-than-average local profile. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 45.6% of all incidents, a rate that was 9% above the UK average. This suggests a potential link to the seasonal context of December, with dark evenings and festive gatherings likely contributing to a rise in such incidents. Drugs-related crimes, at 15 cases, were 192% above the UK average, indicating a possible spike in activity during the month. However, anti-social behaviour, which often correlates with alcohol consumption and public events, was 47% below the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect effective local policing or community initiatives. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, party season, and prolonged darkness—likely influenced these patterns, with retail areas potentially experiencing increased foot traffic and associated risks. While the overall crime rate remained stable, the shift in the crime mix towards violent and drugs-related offences highlights areas for continued monitoring.

December 2024 saw a 150% increase in burglary cases, rising from 2 to 5, a stark contrast to the 80% drop in shoplifting, which fell from 10 to 2. This shift suggests a possible reallocation of criminal activity during the festive season, with burglars targeting homes left unoccupied during Christmas. Meanwhile, drugs-related crimes surged 192% above the UK average, with 15 reported incidents—a figure that may reflect heightened enforcement or increased demand during the holiday period. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained 47% below the UK average, potentially indicating effective community engagement or a lower prevalence of such issues in Caterham. These changes, while notable, must be viewed alongside the broader context of the area's overall safety profile, which remains significantly below the national average.

Caterham's crime rate in December 2024 rose by 2.2% compared to November 2024, moving from 5.9 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This slight increase, while modest, suggests a minor uptick in reported incidents over the month. On a daily basis, Caterham recorded approximately 4 crimes per day in December, a figure that, while low, reflects the area's generally safe profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 165 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. When scaled to Caterham's population of 22,470, this translates to a manageable level of risk for residents. The local context—characterised by a mix of residential and commercial areas—likely contributes to this balance, with community-focused policing and local initiatives potentially playing a role in maintaining this level of safety despite seasonal fluctuations.