Caterham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Caterham's crime profile in February 2026 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences forming the largest single category at 32.1% of all reported incidents. This proportion, though slightly below the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000 for the same category, highlights the area's unique challenges. The prominence of violence-related crimes may be linked to Caterham's role as a commuter town within Tandridge, where interactions between transient and local populations could contribute to tensions. Anti-social behaviour, at 16.8% of total crimes, mirrors the dynamics of a built-up area with a mix of residential and retail spaces, though its rate is 10% above the UK average. This could reflect the impact of local events or the presence of high-traffic areas that foster minor disturbances. Conversely, burglary remains significantly below the UK average, with only three incidents reported, suggesting effective security measures or a lower density of vulnerable properties. The seasonal context of February—a time of reduced outdoor activity and pre-spring lull—may have contributed to the overall crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000, which is 4.7% below the UK's 6.4 per 1,000. This suggests that while Caterham's crime environment is not immune to national trends, its specific geography and community dynamics create a distinct profile. The relatively low levels of vehicle crime (0.5 per 1,000) and theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) further indicate that the area's crime mix is shaped by its character as a suburban hub with limited industrial or commercial activity that might otherwise drive such offences. These patterns underscore the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention, balancing the protection of residents with the realities of local demographics and infrastructure.

February 2026 saw notable shifts in Caterham's crime mix. Theft from the person rose by 100% compared to January, a stark increase from zero to one reported incident. This could reflect heightened vigilance during colder months or isolated incidents linked to specific events. Conversely, drugs-related crimes dropped by 66.7%, from six to two, suggesting a possible reduction in illicit activity or improved enforcement. The balance of crime types also reveals a shift: while property crimes (52) slightly outnumbered violent crimes (44), the dominance of violence and sexual offences (32.1%) remains striking. This category is 14% below the UK average, potentially indicating effective local policing or community initiatives. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, still accounted for 16.8% of crimes, a figure that may correlate with the area's mix of residential and commercial zones. The sharp 52% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average raises questions about local factors, such as the presence of older infrastructure or seasonal maintenance issues.

Caterham's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, a 9.2% decrease from the previous month's 6.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of a winter lull. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately five crimes per day, a figure that reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in specific times or locations. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 164 residents, illustrating the relative safety of Caterham compared to larger urban areas. When scaled to the local population of 22,470, this rate suggests that most residents are not directly affected by crime on a daily basis. However, the distribution of crime types—particularly the sharp rise in theft from the person and the sustained low levels of drug-related offences—highlights the need for targeted community awareness. These figures provide a nuanced perspective for residents, emphasizing that while the overall rate is stable, certain crime categories demand closer attention.