Farnham Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Farnham during October 2024 reveals a distinct pattern, with violence and sexual offences dominating the landscape at 39.1% of total crimes. This high proportion of violent crime, which is 18% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, suggests a unique dynamic in this built-up area. The presence of anti-social behaviour (14.8%) and public order offences (14.8%) further underscores the significance of interpersonal and community-level tensions. Public order crimes in Farnham were 43% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, a discrepancy that may reflect localised factors such as increased pedestrian activity in public spaces or the impact of seasonal events like Halloween. The relatively low levels of property crime—shoplifting and other theft combined for 12.2% of incidents—align with Farnham's status as a historically stable market town, where retail theft is mitigated by lower foot traffic compared to urban centres. Seasonal context plays a role in these figures: the return to darker evenings in October likely contributes to higher anti-social behaviour and public order offences, while the timing of Halloween may have influenced the spike in public disorder. This balance of crime types indicates a community where interpersonal conflict and public space management are key concerns, contrasting with the national trend where property crime often dominates. The overall rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents, 30.9% below the UK average, reinforces Farnham's position as a relatively safe area, though the month-on-month rise in certain categories suggests a need for continued monitoring of emerging trends.

October 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Bicycle theft increased by 100%, rising from zero to one incident, a shift that may reflect seasonal activity or changes in local cycling patterns. Similarly, drug-related offences doubled, with five reported cases, a jump that could be linked to increased visibility of illicit activity during darker evenings. Conversely, burglary fell by 60% compared to the previous month, with only two incidents recorded, due to enhanced security measures or seasonal deterrence factors. Shoplifting also declined by 46.2%, dropping from 13 to seven cases, influenced by heightened retail surveillance or reduced foot traffic during the month. Public order offences, however, stood out as the only category above the UK average, with a 43% higher rate than national benchmarks, suggesting localised pressures in community interactions or event-related disruptions. These shifts highlight a combination of seasonal dynamics and local conditions that shape the crime picture.

Farnham's crime rate in October 2024 rose by 33.7% compared to the previous month, moving from 4.2 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, remains 30.9% below the UK average of 8.1. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately four crimes per day, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of a built-up area with a mix of residential and commercial activity. Over the course of October, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 180 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the population of 20,709. This rate suggests a relatively low level of exposure compared to national benchmarks, though the month-on-month rise indicates potential shifts in local patterns, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as darker evenings and Halloween-related activity. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the absolute number of crimes is low, the upward trend warrants attention to understand its drivers.