Farnham Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Farnham's crime rate in September 2023 stood at 5.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing the area 30% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This positions Farnham as one of the safer built-up areas in the UK, particularly when compared to national trends. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.9% of all reported crimes (37 incidents), followed by other theft (12.9%, 15 incidents) and anti-social behaviour (12.1%, 14 incidents). These figures align with the seasonal context of September, a month marked by the return of students to local universities and the transition into darker evenings, which may contribute to increased social interactions in public spaces. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Farnham (1.8 per 1,000) is 34% below the UK average (2.7 per 1,000), a contrast to other categories like criminal damage and arson, which are 17% above the national rate. The area's relatively low crime rate may reflect its character as a historically stable built-up area within Waverley, where community policing and local initiatives have likely contributed to sustained safety. However, the seasonal shift in September—marked by the return of students and the start of term—introduces variables that can influence crime patterns, particularly in public spaces and around educational institutions.

September 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories compared to August. Public order offences increased by 150%, rising from 4 to 10 incidents, a sharp contrast to the 33.3% decrease in anti-social behaviour (from 21 to 14). This shift suggests a potential reallocation of police resources or changes in community dynamics during the month. Criminal damage and arson also doubled, with incidents rising from 7 to 14, a trend that may be linked to the start of the academic year and increased foot traffic in public areas. Other theft increased by 50%, from 10 to 15 incidents, possibly reflecting opportunistic activity during the transitional period of September. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 40% (from 5 to 3), which could indicate the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures or a seasonal reduction in cycling activity. The rate of violence and sexual offences (1.8 per 1,000) remains lower than the UK average (2.7 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour (0.7 per 1,000) is 48% below the national figure. These disparities highlight Farnham's unique crime profile, where certain categories are significantly under the UK average, even as others show marked increases. For residents, the 150% rise in public order offences serves as a concrete indicator of areas requiring closer attention, particularly in the evenings as the month progresses.

Farnham's crime rate in September 2023 (5.6 per 1,000) was 5.5% higher than the previous month's rate (5.3 per 1,000), reflecting a minor upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day, a figure that, while relatively low, underscores the need for continuous monitoring. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 179 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many comparable urban areas. This statistic provides a tangible perspective for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of experiencing a crime in Farnham is comparatively rare. With a population of 20,709, the area's crime statistics also reveal a population-scaled safety profile: for every 1,000 residents, only 5.6 crimes were reported, a rate that is 30% below the UK average. This disparity may be attributed to Farnham's built-up character within Waverley, where a mix of residential and commercial spaces has historically fostered a lower incidence of serious crime. However, the 5.5% month-on-month increase in the overall rate suggests that factors such as the return of students and the associated social activities may have introduced temporary fluctuations. These figures, while modest, serve as a reminder that even in areas with generally low crime rates, seasonal and demographic shifts can influence local crime dynamics.