Caterham Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Caterham's August 2025 crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 places it 4.9% above the UK average, reflecting a combination of seasonal and local factors. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 28.3% of all crimes, though they were 16% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.7 per 1,000, emerged as a significant concern, 16% above the UK average, potentially linked to increased social interactions during the summer. Public order offences, however, stood out as an outlier, at 1.3 per 1,000—124% above the UK average—suggesting a possible correlation with Caterham's built-up area characteristics and summer tourism. The data aligns with seasonal patterns: August, as a peak holiday month, may have contributed to higher anti-social behaviour and public order incidents, while empty homes during this period could have increased burglary risks. Shoplifting, though relatively low in overall share (9.4% of total crimes), rose sharply by 125% compared to July, pointing to vulnerabilities in retail environments. This increase may be influenced by the area's proximity to major transport links and the influx of visitors during the summer. The crime mix also revealed a notable 27% rise in shoplifting above the UK average, contrasting with a 63% deficit in burglary, indicating a shift in criminal activity toward more accessible targets. These trends, while not unprecedented, require targeted responses to address the most pressing issues while leveraging the decline in other categories.

August 2025 saw a dramatic 125% increase in shoplifting, rising from eight to 18 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 100% rise in theft from the person (from zero to three incidents), signals heightened vulnerability in retail and public spaces. Anti-social behaviour, though still below the UK average for violent crime, surged 16% above the UK norm for its category, with 37 incidents reported. Public order offences, at 30 cases, were 124% above the UK average—a stark anomaly that may relate to Caterham's built-up area dynamics during the summer. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime both declined, with burglary dropping 50% and vehicle crime falling 33.3%. These decreases, however, contrast sharply with the sharp rise in shoplifting, suggesting a shift in criminal activity toward low-risk, high-impact offences.

Caterham's crime rate in August 2025 rose 9.8% from July's 7.7 per 1,000 to 8.5 per 1,000, placing it 4.9% above the UK average. This increase translates to roughly six crimes reported each day across the built-up area, a figure that, while locally contextual, highlights the need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 118 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a population of 22,470. This rate, while not extreme, suggests a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety. The population context reveals that Caterham's crime profile, though elevated relative to the UK, remains within a range seen in comparable urban areas. The shift in crime mix—particularly the surge in anti-social behaviour and public order offences—may reflect seasonal patterns, such as increased foot traffic during peak holiday periods, which can strain community resources and policing efforts.