Farnham Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Farnham's crime rate in April 2024 stood at 5.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 26.0% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure reflects a broadly stable crime environment, though the data reveals specific areas of concern. Violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share of reported crimes (30.8%), followed by shoplifting (12.0%) and anti-social behaviour (10.3%). These patterns align with Farnham's character as a town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where retail hubs and public spaces may contribute to property crimes. The seasonal context of April—Easter holidays, milder weather, and increased outdoor activity—likely influences crime trends, with public order offences rising slightly above the UK average. While overall crime remains lower than national levels, the persistence of violence and sexual offences suggests ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety. The town's relatively low burglary rates (6.8% below the UK average) and anti-social behaviour figures (51% below) indicate strengths in community policing or environmental design that may deter certain types of crime. However, the data also highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing the 30.8% share of violent crimes, which, though below the UK average, still represent a significant portion of the local crime profile. As spring activities intensify, residents should remain vigilant in areas prone to public order incidents and theft from the person, which saw a dramatic 100% increase in April.

April 2024 marked a notable rise in theft from the person, with a 100% increase from zero to one reported incident—a stark contrast to previous months. This spike, though small in absolute terms, underscores the need for heightened awareness in public spaces, particularly during Easter weekends when foot traffic increases. Concurrently, drug-related offences also surged by 100%, moving from zero to three incidents, a figure that may reflect seasonal patterns or shifts in local activity. In contrast, possession of weapons dropped by 66.7%, from three to one incident, potentially indicating successful policing efforts or reduced illicit activity in the area. The crime mix also shifted slightly: while property crimes (51 incidents) remained the dominant category, violent crimes (36 incidents) accounted for a significant 30.8% of total reports, slightly below the UK average for this category. Shoplifting and public order offences both exceeded their UK averages by 4% and 13% respectively, suggesting that retail environments and public spaces may be under particular pressure. Residents should be mindful of these trends, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or commercial activity, where vigilance could help mitigate risks. The overall rise in crime—7.4% compared to March—may be partly explained by the Easter holiday period, which often sees increased social interaction and outdoor activity, creating opportunities for certain types of crime.

Farnham's crime rate in April 2024 rose to 5.7 per 1,000 residents, a 7.4% increase from the previous month's 5.3 per 1,000. This translates to an average of four reported crimes per day, a figure that, while manageable, highlights the dynamic nature of local crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 177 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, when compared to the UK average, suggests Farnham remains a relatively safe area. However, this aggregate figure masks variations in crime type and location. The population context is also important: with 20,709 residents, the town's smaller size means that each incident has a more pronounced impact on the community. For example, the 100% increase in theft from the person—though only one incident—represents a 1-in-20,709 chance for any individual resident, a figure that may seem statistically small but is significant in terms of personal risk perception. The previous month's rate provides a useful benchmark, showing that while Farnham's overall crime environment is stable, it is not immune to fluctuations. The rise in public order and shoplifting offences, coupled with the drop in anti-social behaviour, suggests that policing strategies or environmental factors may be shifting the balance of crime types. Residents should consider these trends when assessing personal safety, particularly in areas where public order incidents have increased. The comparison to the UK average also serves as a reminder that while Farnham is generally safer than the national average, local conditions and seasonal factors can still influence crime dynamics.