Caterham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Caterham’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.5% below the UK average of 6.8. This slight edge over the national figure, though small, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal trends. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.1% of all reported incidents—nearly 2.4 per 1,000 residents, 4% below the UK average. This category’s relatively lower incidence compared to the national picture may be influenced by Caterham’s demographic profile, which includes a mix of suburban and commuter populations. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 11.9% of incidents, with a rate of 0.8 per 1,000 residents—14% below the UK average. However, public order offences presented a stark contrast, with 18 cases reported, a rate of 0.8 per 1,000 residents, 90% above the national average. This discrepancy may be attributed to localised factors such as high-traffic areas or events that draw crowds during January. Meanwhile, shoplifting and vehicle crime both exceeded UK averages by 23% and 35% respectively, suggesting that retail and transportation hubs in Caterham may be particularly vulnerable to such offences. The seasonal context of January—marked by shorter days and reduced outdoor activity—likely plays a role in shaping these patterns, as fewer people on the streets may influence both the frequency and type of crimes reported. These findings highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of Caterham’s unique crime profile, balancing the area’s relatively low overall rate with pockets of concern that demand targeted attention.

January 2026 saw stark month-on-month changes in Caterham’s crime profile. Other theft surged by 400%, rising from two to ten incidents, a jump that may reflect heightened activity during the post-holiday period or shifts in retail patterns. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, increasing by 175% from four to 11 incidents—a figure that could be linked to seasonal changes in parking habits or increased vehicle movement during colder weather. Meanwhile, possession of weapons more than doubled, with three reported cases, suggesting a potential shift in local dynamics that warrants further observation. On the other hand, burglary and other crime both declined: burglary fell by 50%, and other crime dropped by 60%, due to targeted interventions or reduced opportunities during the winter months. These fluctuations contrast with the UK average, where public order offences were 90% higher in Caterham, while burglary rates were 64% below the national figure, illustrating a unique balance of local crime challenges and successes.

Caterham’s crime rate in January 2026 rose 25.8% compared to December 2025, reflecting a shift from 5.3 to 6.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, aligns with seasonal patterns typical of January, when post-holiday activity and reduced retail footfall may contribute to fluctuations in crime types. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly five crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with local rhythms, highlights the need for ongoing vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 149 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualised against Caterham’s population of 22,470, underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents per individual. This statistic, however, does not account for variations in personal risk factors such as proximity to high-traffic areas or local community initiatives. The area’s population context further illustrates that while crime is present, its distribution remains uneven, with certain categories—like burglary and other crime—showing significant declines that may reflect broader societal or environmental changes.