Caterham Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2025, Caterham’s crime rate stood at 7.2 per 1,000 residents, marking an 11.1% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.1. This performance places the area among the safer built-up regions in the country, though the distribution of crime types reveals a complex picture. Property crimes, including shoplifting and burglary, accounted for 51 incidents—over half of all reported crimes—while violent offences numbered 40. This 27.5% disparity between property and violent crime may be linked to Caterham’s urban character, where retail centres and commercial hubs create environments conducive to theft. Seasonal factors in May, such as extended daylight hours and the proliferation of bank holidays, likely contributed to increased outdoor socialising and associated public order incidents. The area’s crime profile also shows marked contrasts with the UK average: violence and sexual offences were 36% below the national rate, while drug-related crimes were 150% higher. This divergence highlights the influence of local dynamics, such as the presence of illicit markets or unaddressed community issues. The relatively low burglary rate (0.2 per 1,000) suggests that residential security measures may be effective, though the 100% increase in burglaries compared to April indicates a potential risk. Caterham’s data underscores the need for tailored policing strategies that address both the dominant property crime trends and the emerging challenges in drug-related offences.

May 2025 saw a sharp 350% increase in 'other crime' (2 to 9 incidents) and a 100% rise in drug-related offences (8 to 16), both of which were significantly above the UK average. This contrasts with a 21.6% decline in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 51 to 40, a rate 36% below the UK average. The property-to-violent crime balance shifted further in May, with property crimes (51) outpacing violent crimes (40) by 27.5%. This trend may be influenced by Caterham’s retail presence, which historically drives shoplifting and other property-related incidents. The 100% increase in burglary (0 to 5) also warrants attention, though it remains 29% below the UK average. These shifts suggest that while violent crime is receding, other categories are expanding, potentially reflecting seasonal factors such as increased outdoor activity during longer evenings.

Caterham's crime rate in May 2025 rose 14.2% from 6.3 to 7.2 per 1,000 residents compared to April, reflecting a shift in criminal activity patterns. Daily crime in the area averaged five incidents per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 140 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while lower than the UK average, highlights the concentrated nature of crime in Caterham’s built-up environment. The population context reveals that 22,470 residents experienced a total of 161 crimes, with the most significant spikes occurring in 'other crime' and drug-related incidents. This suggests that while the overall rate remains below the UK average, specific categories are diverging from national trends. The increase in 'other crime'—a category that includes a range of non-specific offences—may reflect underreported or evolving criminal behaviours, though further data would be needed to confirm this. The population-scaled perspective underscores that Caterham’s crime profile, while relatively low, requires targeted interventions in areas showing marked growth.