Godalming Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Godalming's crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents in December 2023 places it 12.5% below the UK average of 7.2. This built-up area within Waverley exhibits a distinct crime profile shaped by seasonal rhythms and local demographics. Violence and sexual offences (25 incidents, 34.3% of total) remain the most prevalent category, though they represent a 16% deficit compared to the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (8 incidents, 11.0%) and public order offences (8 incidents, 11.0%) follow, with the latter category exceeding the UK rate by 46%. These patterns align with December's seasonal context: Christmas shopping peaks, extended dark evenings, and holiday-related absences from homes. The relatively low burglary rate (3 incidents, 4.1%) suggests effective residential security measures, while the absence of significant spikes in shoplifting (5 incidents, 18% below UK average) may reflect reduced foot traffic during festive closures. This data illustrates a community where local initiatives and seasonal awareness appear to mitigate risks, though public order issues highlight areas requiring targeted interventions.

December 2023 saw notable shifts in Godalming's crime profile. Vehicle crime surged 133.3% from 3 to 7 incidents, likely driven by increased car usage during holiday travel and festive shopping. Similarly, other theft cases rose 133.3% to 7 incidents, potentially linked to seasonal retail activity. Criminal damage and arson more than doubled (1 to 3 incidents), a 200% increase that may reflect vandalism during empty homes over the holidays. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 28.6% to 25 incidents, due to reduced social interactions during Christmas. Public order offences (8 incidents) stood 46% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, suggesting challenges in managing crowd-related disruptions in town centres. Residents might find the 18% deficit in shoplifting (5 incidents vs UK average of 0.5 per 1,000) particularly noteworthy, indicating effective retail security measures. These fluctuations underscore the combination of seasonal factors and local policing strategies.

Godalming's crime rate rose 17.6% from 5.4 per 1,000 in November to 6.3 per 1,000 in December, reflecting a monthly increase of 1.1 crimes per 1,000 residents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in December, a figure that translates to 1 reported crime for every 159 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate is relatively low compared to the UK average, the 17.6% month-on-month increase highlights the volatility of crime patterns in a built-up area with fluctuating population movements. The 12.5% deficit relative to the UK average (6.3 vs 7.2 per 1,000) persists despite the rise, suggesting Godalming's overall safety remains comparatively strong. This data provides residents with a clear benchmark: while the area is generally safer than the national average, the December increase indicates the need for continued vigilance, particularly in managing public order issues and vehicle-related crimes that spiked during the month.