Godalming Crime Rate

Godalming is a safe and well-established town with a crime rate of 49.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it well below the UK average of 91.6. It holds a strong safety score of 89/100, reflecting its secure residential environment. The crime trend in Godalming is currently stable, showing a negligible 1.4% decrease year-over-year. With a population of 11,597, the town manages to maintain a peaceful atmosphere while supporting a busy high street. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the types of crime reported and the specific times they are most likely to occur.

Godalming's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 36.4% of all reports. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (12.5%) and shoplifting (9.4%). The presence of shoplifting in the top three reflects Godalming's role as a local commercial hub with a vibrant high street.

Property crime in Godalming is recorded at 18.1 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the UK average of 32.2. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts. Burglary and robbery are notably low, together making up only 3% of total crime. However, vehicle crime (5.6%) and other theft (8.0%) are more frequent. For residents, this means that while the risk of serious intrusion is minimal, opportunistic thefts and car-related incidents are the primary property concerns that require standard security precautions.

Godalming's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 1.4% decrease over the last 12 months. The monthly data reveals a significant spike in May 2025, where the rate reached 8.0 per 1,000 residents, nearly double the usual monthly average. Outside of this anomaly, the town maintains a consistent rate, typically between 3.1 and 4.7. The year ended on a stable note with 3.9 in December. This consistency, despite the unusual May figure, suggests that Godalming remains a reliably safe environment for its residents.

How To Keep Safe in Godalming

The highest crime category in Godalming is violence and sexual offences. While these are often not random, it is wise to stay in well-lit areas when walking at night, especially around the station and town centre. If you are out late, try to travel with others and use licensed taxis.

Theft and shoplifting are also prevalent, particularly in the afternoon (54% of incidents). When shopping in the town centre, keep your bags zipped and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded areas. For vehicle owners, the night-time period sees 45% of crimes attributed to vehicle offences. Always double-check that your car is locked and avoid leaving any valuables inside, even if they are hidden. Homeowners should ensure that side gates are locked and that any tools or ladders are stored away, as these can be used by opportunistic burglars who are most active in the afternoon and late at night.

Crime timing in Godalming shows a clear split between daytime and night-time activity. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the dominant concern, peaking at 54% of afternoon incidents. This correlates with the town's busy commercial hours.

As night falls, the focus shifts toward property and vehicle crime. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime accounts for 45% of all reported incidents, making it the primary risk for residents during the early hours. Burglary is most likely to occur during the night (12%) or afternoon (11%), suggesting a mix of opportunistic daytime entries and more targeted night-time attempts. Evening hours see a rise in 'other' crimes, which includes anti-social behaviour and public order offences often associated with the town's evening economy.

Godalming is located in a very safe part of Surrey. It has a slightly higher crime rate (49.5) than neighbouring Farncombe (39.5), which is likely due to Godalming's larger commercial centre. Other nearby areas like Busbridge, Munstead Heath, and Norney report virtually no crime. Despite being the busiest settlement in its immediate vicinity, Godalming remains an exceptionally safe town when compared to the national average.

Homeowners in Godalming should focus on preventing opportunistic property crime, which currently sits at a rate of 18.1 per 1,000 residents. Traditional security systems often fail because they only record the crime as it happens. In a town like Godalming, where vehicle crime is a notable night-time factor, a proactive approach is far more effective.

scOS uses AI to provide this proactive protection. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, it can detect a threat at the edge of your property and intervene immediately. Whether it’s activating deterrent lights or alerting you to a suspicious vehicle with a fake plate, scOS stops the crime before your property is damaged. For Godalming residents, this means moving beyond simple recording to a system that actively maintains the safety of their home and family.