Godalming Crime Rate

Godalming Crime Overview

Godalming is a very safe urban settlement, characterized by a high safety score of 89/100. Its overall crime rate is 48.9 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. This safe environment is further improving, with an 8.1% year-over-year decrease in recorded crime. Property crime in Godalming is also notably low, at 17.9 per 1,000 compared to the national average of 32.3. These figures highlight Godalming as a secure and desirable residential location. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of local crime statistics, including types, trends, and time patterns, to give residents a clear understanding of their local safety environment.

Crime Breakdown in Godalming

Godalming's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.4% of all recorded incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 13.2%, followed by shoplifting at 10.6%. For residents, the property crime rate stands at 17.9 per 1,000 people. This overall category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft.

Property-related offences are a notable part of the local crime landscape, with criminal damage and arson accounting for 9.3% and other theft for 7.8% of total activity. Vehicle crime and burglary contribute 4.8% and 2.3% respectively. The data suggests that while Godalming is very safe, the primary risks to property are opportunistic theft and vandalism, particularly in the town centre. For homeowners, this means that while traditional break-ins are relatively infrequent (1.1 per 1,000), maintaining a high standard of security for both homes and vehicles is important to deter opportunistic criminals. Overall, the low rates of robbery (0.5%) and bicycle theft (0.5%) reflect a town where personal property is generally well-respected.

Crime Trends in Godalming

The crime trend in Godalming is positive, with an -8.1% decrease in total crime year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates that the area is becoming even safer for its residents. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates were at their lowest in November, recording just 2.6 crimes per 1,000 people.

The town experienced a notable peak in May 2025, reaching 8.0 per 1,000. This significant increase was followed by a return to lower, more typical levels. By November 2025, the rate had settled at 2.6. For residents, these figures are very encouraging, showing that while there was a significant temporary spike, the overall volume of crime is low and currently falling. This sustained reduction reinforces Godalming's reputation as one of the most secure and peaceful places to live in the region.

How To Keep Safe in Godalming

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Godalming, representing 34.4% of total incidents. While the area is statistically very safe, maintaining basic personal and property awareness is always recommended for residents.

When out in the evening, try to stay in well-lit areas and be mindful of your surroundings, especially when walking alone. It is often helpful to plan your route in advance and let someone know your expected arrival time. Although property crime is low, ensure that your home and vehicles are always locked, even if you are only away for a short time. Opportunistic theft can happen anywhere, so keeping valuables out of sight in cars is a simple but effective deterrent. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme is an excellent way to stay connected with your community and receive updates on any local safety issues. By combining Godalming's naturally low crime rates with these sensible precautions, you can fully enjoy the high level of safety the area offers.

Crime Time Patterns in Godalming

Crime in Godalming follows distinct time-based patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft-related crimes are most prevalent, accounting for 49% and 55% of activity respectively. This suggests that daytime offences are often opportunistic and occur in commercial or residential areas.

As the day transitions into evening (6pm-12am), the crime mix shifts, with 'other' crimes—often including anti-social behaviour—rising to 52% of total incidents. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a significant risk to vehicles, with vehicle crime peaking at 40% of total activity for this period. Burglary remains relatively constant at around 10-11% during the afternoon, evening, and night. These figures indicate that while daytime crime is largely focused on theft, the night-time hours pose the greatest risk to the security of vehicles. For residents, this highlights the importance of ensuring that cars are fully secured and parked in well-lit areas, especially during the night when opportunistic vehicle criminals are most active.

Nearby Area Comparison

When comparing Godalming to its nearby urban centres, it remains a very safe choice. Its crime rate of 48.9 per 1,000 is higher than Farncombe (38.8) but lower than Farnham (62.5). While it is higher than very small nearby areas like Busbridge or Norney (0.0), Godalming maintains a low crime volume for its population size. Its safety score of 89/100 confirms its status as a premier location for those seeking a secure lifestyle. Compared to the UK national average of 91.7, Godalming offers a level of safety that is far superior to most parts of the country, making it a highly attractive area for residents.

Proactive Security for Godalming Residents

Godalming enjoys a low property crime rate of 17.9 per 1,000 people. However, even in such a safe area, the impact of opportunistic theft or vehicle crime can be significant. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, are often reactive—they record the crime as it happens but do little to stop it. For residents who want to maintain Godalming's high safety standards on their own property, a proactive approach is much more effective.

The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver, a neighbour, and a potential intruder. If a threat is identified, the system can autonomously activate lights or audible deterrents, destroying the element of surprise and deterring the criminal before they even reach your home. This real-time intervention is far more effective than simply having footage of an incident after the fact. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary are the primary property concerns, scOS provides a professional-grade shield that ensures your home and vehicles remain difficult targets, preserving the security of your household.