Waverley Crime Rate

Waverley is one of the safest local authority districts in the United Kingdom, characterised by a notably low crime rate and a high safety score. With an overall crime rate of 43.5 per 1,000 people, the area sits significantly below the UK average of 91.6. This is reflected in its impressive safety score of 90/100, far exceeding the national average score of 79. Recent data indicates a positive trend for residents, with total crime decreasing by 6.0% year-over-year. While property crime does occur, its rate of 14.6 per 1,000 is less than half the UK average of 32.2. This context establishes Waverley as a secure environment, though understanding the specific breakdown of local statistics remains essential for maintaining this high standard of community safety.

Waverley is an affluent and predominantly rural local authority district in Surrey, encompassing picturesque market towns such as Farnham, Godalming, Haslemere, and Cranleigh. The area is characterised by a high quality of life, consistently ranking as one of the most desirable places to live in the United Kingdom. Its geography includes a significant portion of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, contributing to its residential and semi-rural nature.

The district's demographics are largely composed of professional commuters and families, drawn by excellent transport links to London and high-performing schools. These factors generally contribute to lower crime rates compared to more urbanised neighbouring boroughs. While Waverley lacks the intense nightlife of major cities, its town centres do host a variety of pubs and restaurants which can influence evening crime statistics. The transient population is relatively low, though tourism in the Surrey Hills brings seasonal visitors. Economic stability across the district acts as a natural deterrent to many forms of acquisitive crime, resulting in a safety profile that is significantly better than the national average.

In Waverley, the crime landscape is primarily defined by three categories. The most significant is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 36.9% of all reported incidents with a rate of 16.1 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.1% (6.6 per 1,000) and public order offences at 9.4% (4.1 per 1,000). While these figures represent the highest volumes, it is important to note they often occur in specific contexts rather than reflecting general danger to the public.

Property-related crime in Waverley remains notably low compared to national figures. The combined rate for burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft stands at 14.6 per 1,000 people. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (8.1%) and other theft (8.0%) are the most frequent. Burglary rates are particularly low at just 2.0 per 1,000 residents, and vehicle crime follows closely at 1.9 per 1,000. For homeowners and residents, this suggests that while the area is exceptionally safe, there is still a baseline requirement for standard property security. The low incidence of robbery (0.5%) and theft from the person (0.5%) further reinforces Waverley's status as a low-risk environment for personal property.

Waverley is currently experiencing a downward trend in criminal activity, with a 6.0% decrease in total crimes compared to the previous year. This reduction is a significant indicator of the area's increasing safety. Analysis of the monthly data from 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated throughout the year, starting at 3.2 per 1,000 in January and reaching a peak of 4.5 in May. Following this peak, the rate generally stabilised, ending the year at 3.3 in December.

The spike observed in May (4.5) and July (4.3) suggests a slight increase in activity during the warmer months, which is a common seasonal pattern in many UK districts. However, the subsequent decline and the overall annual reduction of 6.0% demonstrate that these peaks were temporary. For residents, this trend suggests that while seasonal vigilance is worthwhile, the long-term safety of the district is improving. The consistent rates of 3.3 per 1,000 in the final two months of the year indicate a stable and secure environment heading into the future.

When considering the regional context, Waverley sits within a cluster of exceptionally safe districts. Neighbouring Guildford, Woking, and Surrey Heath, along with nearby Rushmoor, Hart, and Mole Valley, all report extremely low crime figures in recent comparative data. While Waverley's rate of 43.5 per 1,000 is notably low by national standards, it operates within a high-performing geographic corridor where safety is a primary characteristic. Residents moving between these areas will find a consistent level of security and a shared profile of low property crime. This regional stability makes the entire Surrey and North Hampshire border area one of the most secure parts of the country for families and professionals alike.

Despite Waverley's high safety score, the district still experiences 14.6 property crimes per 1,000 residents annually. In affluent areas, the risk is often less about volume and more about targeted, high-value theft. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or smart doorbells, are inherently reactive; they provide you with high-definition footage of a crime after it has already occurred. For residents who prioritise prevention, a proactive approach is necessary.

scOS represents a shift from recording crimes to preventing them. By utilising AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. The system distinguishes between family members, delivery drivers, and genuine intruders, ensuring that alerts are meaningful. In an area like Waverley, where the 'element of surprise' is a burglar's greatest fear, the autonomous response of scOS—activating lights and engaging speakers—can stop a crime in its tracks. Moving beyond DIY recording to professional-grade AI protection ensures that your home remains a hard target, effectively deterring criminals before they even attempt a breach.

How To Keep Safe in Waverley

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type in Waverley, representing 36.9% of all incidents. While many of these reports involve individuals known to each other, maintaining personal safety in public spaces remains important.

1. Plan Your Route: When walking at night in towns like Farnham or Godalming, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid isolated shortcuts through parks or wooded areas.
2. Use Personal Safety Apps: Consider using a mobile safety app that allows trusted contacts to track your journey or provides a quick way to alert emergency services.
3. Be Aware in Social Settings: When enjoying Waverley’s nightlife, stay aware of your surroundings, keep your drinks in sight, and ensure you have a pre-planned, safe way to get home.
4. Report Concerns Early: If you notice suspicious behaviour or feel unsafe in a particular area, report it to the local police. Early intervention often prevents anti-social behaviour from escalating.
5. Stay Connected: Let someone know your expected arrival time when travelling alone, especially during the later evening hours.