Farnham Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Farnham’s crime rate in December 2023 stood at 5.5 per 1,000, a figure 23.6% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This places the built-up area within Waverley among the safer regions in the country, though the data reveals a combination of local factors and seasonal influences. Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent category, accounting for 27.4% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour and other theft, each contributing 16.8% of the total. The prominence of violent crime is notable, with a rate of 1.5 per 1,000 compared to the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a gap of 43%. This may be partly explained by the area’s character as a commuter town with a mix of residential and retail activity, where tensions can arise in public spaces or during late-night hours. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, party season, and prolonged darkness—likely contributes to the spike in certain offences. For instance, the rise in anti-social behaviour could be linked to increased social gatherings and the challenges of managing crowds in the town’s high streets and public areas. Meanwhile, the lower rates of burglary and criminal damage may reflect the impact of holiday-related absences, with homes left unoccupied and businesses operating under enhanced security measures. These patterns underscore the importance of understanding how local demographics and seasonal rhythms shape crime dynamics, even within areas that maintain an overall low crime profile.

December 2023 saw sharp increases in theft from the person, surging by 300% from one to four incidents, a rise that may reflect the heightened presence of shoppers and the associated risks of crowded public spaces. Vehicle crime also spiked by 166.7%, rising from three to eight incidents, potentially linked to the holiday season’s increased traffic and parking activity. Anti-social behaviour jumped by 111.1%, with 19 incidents reported, suggesting the impact of seasonal gatherings and extended evening hours. Other theft was 53% above the UK average, a category that includes shoplifting and other non-violent property crimes. In contrast, burglary fell by 50% and criminal damage dropped by 46.2%, due to homes being left unoccupied over the holidays. These shifts highlight the seasonal volatility in Farnham’s crime profile, where certain categories align with broader UK trends while others diverge significantly.

Farnham’s crime rate in December 2023 rose by 8.8% compared to November, reflecting a shift in patterns. The daily crime count averaged four incidents per day, a figure that, while localised, provides a tangible snapshot of activity in the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 183 residents, a monthly exposure rate that situates Farnham within a broader context of low overall crime. This aligns with the area’s population of 20,709, where crime remains significantly below the UK average. The increase in theft from the person (+300%) and anti-social behaviour (+111.1%) suggests seasonal influences, such as the Christmas shopping peak and extended evening hours, which may heighten opportunities for certain offences. However, the drop in burglary (-50%) and criminal damage (-46.2%) could indicate reduced activity during the holiday period, when homes are often unoccupied or more securely managed. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Farnham, shaped by both local characteristics and national trends.