Caterham Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2024, Caterham recorded a crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents, 27.4% below the UK average of 8.4. This figure reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal influences, with violent crimes dominating the crime profile. Of the 136 total incidents, 56 (41.2%) were violent and sexual offences, the highest category by far. This contrasts with property crimes, which accounted for 32.4% (44 incidents), highlighting a stark imbalance between the two types. The prominence of violent crime may be linked to Caterham’s built-up area status within Tandridge, where social activity and longer evenings in May could contribute to increased interpersonal incidents. Anti-social behaviour (14.7%) and criminal damage (10.3%) followed as the next most common categories, suggesting ongoing challenges with public order and vandalism. Seasonal context also plays a role: May’s bank holidays and extended daylight hours likely influence outdoor drinking and socialising, which may correlate with higher reports of violence and anti-social behaviour. However, the overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, indicating that Caterham’s policing and community measures may be effective in mitigating broader crime trends. This balance between violent and property crime—leaning heavily towards the former—suggests a need for targeted interventions focused on reducing interpersonal conflict, while maintaining the area’s relatively low overall crime levels.

May 2024 saw a sharp 300% increase in possession of weapons, rising from 1 to 4 incidents—a stark contrast to the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000, where Caterham’s rate was 150% higher. This spike, though small in absolute terms, underscores a shift in local crime dynamics. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose by 75% (4 to 7), potentially linked to increased traffic or parking activity during the month. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 23.1% (13 to 10), and theft from the person dropped by 50% (2 to 1), suggesting targeted efforts or seasonal lulls. The balance between violent and property crimes also shifted: 56 violent crimes (41.2% of total) outnumbered property crimes (44, 32.4%), a reversal of previous months. This dominance of violent crime, despite an overall rate below the UK average, may reflect Caterham’s built-up area status and increased social activity during May’s longer evenings.

Caterham’s crime rate in May 2024 rose by 34.7% compared to April, moving from 4.5 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, remains 27.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 4 incidents per day over the month, reflecting a steady but manageable level of activity. When scaled to the population of 22,470, this means one reported crime occurred for roughly every 165 residents over the course of May. While the rise from April may suggest seasonal or situational factors, the rate is still significantly lower than the national average. This contrast highlights Caterham’s relative safety compared to other areas, even as local crime patterns evolve. The increase in violent crimes, particularly in the context of longer evenings and social events, may be linked to increased outdoor activity.