Godalming Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Godalming’s crime rate in July 2023 stood at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 49.4% below the UK average of 8.3. This marked underperformance relative to national figures suggests a combination of effective local policing, community engagement, or demographic factors that mitigate criminal activity. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (26.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (22.5%) and criminal damage (12.2%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a built-up district within Waverley, where seasonal dynamics—such as summer festivals and tourism—may influence crime trends. The prevalence of anti-social behaviour, for instance, could be linked to increased outdoor activity and social events during peak summer months. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.2 per 1,000) indicate that local infrastructure and policing may be effectively managing these categories. However, the data also reveals a potential vulnerability: while overall rates remain stable, the sharp rise in drug-related incidents and other thefts could signal emerging challenges. These increases, though modest, are consistent with the seasonal context of July, a month marked by school holidays, festivals, and heightened tourism, which may temporarily elevate certain types of criminal activity.

July 2023 saw a 100% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from one to two incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in local patterns that warrants attention. Other thefts also doubled, reflecting a 100% rise from two to four incidents, possibly linked to increased foot traffic during summer festivals. Conversely, public order offences fell by 60%, from five to two, suggesting a reduction in disruptions during peak tourist season. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 7.1%, aligning with a broader trend of lower violent crime in the area. While vehicle crime dropped 20% (from five to four), the rate remains 38% below the UK average. Residents should be aware of the sharp rise in drug-related incidents, which, though limited, may indicate emerging issues requiring local oversight.

Godalming’s crime rate remained stable at 4.2 per 1,000 residents in July 2023, matching the previous month’s rate. This consistency contrasts with national trends, where the UK average sits at 8.3 per 1,000. Locally, the daily crime count averaged two incidents per day, reflecting a low-frequency pattern typical of smaller built-up areas. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 237 residents, a figure that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to population size, Godalming’s performance is better than the UK average, with categories like public order offences (68% below the UK rate) and vehicle crime (38% below) highlighting systemic differences. These metrics suggest that local factors—such as community policing strategies or demographic composition—may contribute to the area’s lower crime profile, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this.