Waverley Crime Rate

Waverley stands out as one of the safest districts in the UK, with an overall crime rate of just 43.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. The area enjoys a high safety score of 90/100, reflecting its secure and peaceful character. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a 7.5% decrease in reported incidents over the last year. For the population of approximately 134,000, these figures represent a very low risk of crime in daily life, making Waverley a highly desirable location for residents and families seeking a secure environment.

Waverley is an affluent and predominantly rural local authority district in Surrey, characterised by its picturesque market towns and high quality of life. The area includes major settlements such as Farnham, Godalming, Haslemere, and Cranleigh. Its demographic is largely composed of settled families and professionals, with a significant commuter population travelling to London.

The district's low crime rate is influenced by its suburban and rural nature, with fewer high-density urban challenges compared to neighbouring regions. However, its relative prosperity can occasionally attract opportunistic property crime. The area features several major transport links, including the A3 and multiple rail lines, which provide high connectivity but can also facilitate transient criminal activity. The local economy is robust, supported by a mix of professional services, boutique retail, and tourism related to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This combination of high economic standing and lower population density contributes to Waverley's position as one of the safer districts in the United Kingdom.

Crime in Waverley is notably lower than national averages, with violence and sexual offences being the most reported category, accounting for 36.5% of incidents at a rate of 16.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour (15.4%) and public order offences (9.7%) complete the top three crime types.

Property-related crime is a secondary but present concern for Waverley homeowners. The total property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is 14.5 per 1,000 people. Within this group, criminal damage and arson (8.4%) and 'other theft' (7.7%) are the most frequent. Burglary rates are low at 2.0 per 1,000, representing just 4.5% of total crime.

For residents, these statistics mean that while the likelihood of experiencing a violent crime is low, there is a persistent risk of opportunistic theft and property interference. The high value of assets in the area often makes it a target for vehicle crime and residential burglary. Maintaining a visible security presence and ensuring outbuildings are as secure as the main home are vital steps for homeowners in this district.

Waverley's crime trends reflect a consistently safe environment that is becoming even more secure. The -7.5% year-over-year decrease in total crime is a significant achievement for the district. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates remained remarkably low throughout the year, fluctuating between 2.9 and 4.5 per 1,000 residents.

The highest activity was recorded in May (4.5) and July (4.3), which aligns with national patterns where warmer weather often leads to a slight uptick in reported incidents. However, the rates quickly settled, with November 2025 showing a low rate of 3.3. This stability suggests that Waverley does not suffer from the volatile crime spikes seen in more urban areas. For residents, this downward trend provides strong reassurance that local policing and community safety efforts are effectively maintaining the district's high standards of security.

In the context of the surrounding Surrey and Hampshire border regions, Waverley maintains an impressively low crime profile. While neighbouring areas such as Guildford, Rushmoor, Woking, Surrey Heath, Hart, and Mole Valley report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this dataset, these figures emphasize the exceptionally low-crime nature of the entire region. Waverley’s rate of 43.7 per 1,000 is a transparent reflection of a highly safe district. When compared to more urban local authorities across the UK, the entire cluster of areas surrounding Waverley represents some of the most secure residential territory in the country.

Waverley’s low property crime rate of 14.5 per 1,000 does not mean residents should be complacent, especially given the affluent nature of the district. High-value homes often attract more sophisticated criminals who are not deterred by basic DIY cameras or traditional alarm systems. Standard security setups are often reactive, providing you with a notification or recording only after a window has been smashed or a door forced.

Choosing scOS provides Waverley homeowners with a proactive alternative. Our AI-driven operating system monitors your property’s perimeter with multi-camera intelligence that never sleeps. It is designed to recognise your family and regular visitors while instantly identifying suspicious patterns. If an unauthorised individual enters your property boundary, scOS doesn't just watch; it intervenes autonomously with lights and audio deterrents. By stopping a threat at the edge of your property, scOS ensures that your home remains a sanctuary, preventing the emotional and financial cost of a successful break-in.

How To Keep Safe in Waverley

While Waverley is one of the safest areas in the country, violence and sexual offences remain the most reported crime type. To maintain your personal safety in the district, follow these recommendations:

1. Take advantage of the well-maintained paths and public areas, but try to stay in well-lit zones if walking after dark, particularly in the town centres of Farnham or Godalming.
2. Be mindful of personal belongings in public spaces. Although theft is low, opportunistic incidents can occur in busy cafes or during local events.
3. Use personal safety features on your smartphone, such as 'Emergency SOS' or location sharing with family members, especially if you are out exercising in more remote parts of the Surrey Hills.
4. Keep your home and vehicle secure at all times. In affluent areas, "fishing" for car keys through letterboxes or targeting high-end vehicles on driveways can occur.
5. Engage with local community social media groups and Neighbourhood Watch schemes to stay updated on any localized concerns or suspicious activity reported by your neighbours.