Godalming Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Godalming's crime profile in May 2023 presented a striking contrast between its overall safety and specific anomalies. With a crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents—43.8% below the UK average—this built-up area within Waverley continues to demonstrate a marked divergence from national trends. The most significant outlier was shoplifting, which recorded 7 incidents (0.6 per 1,000) despite being 22% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This discrepancy may be explained by the area's retail presence, particularly in its town centre, where increased foot traffic during May's extended evenings could create opportunities for such crimes. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences accounted for 26.9% of all recorded crimes, a figure significantly lower than the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 (which is 57% below the national benchmark). Anti-social behaviour, at 12 incidents (1.0 per 1,000), formed the second-largest category, suggesting that community tensions or alcohol-related incidents may be contributing factors. Seasonal patterns in May—characterised by bank holidays, longer evenings, and increased outdoor drinking—likely influenced these trends. The area's consistently low burglary rates (0.3 per 1,000) and criminal damage figures (0.3 per 1,000) further reinforce its reputation as a relatively safe environment compared to the UK average. These patterns highlight a combination of local demographics, retail infrastructure, and seasonal factors that shape Godalming's unique crime profile.

Vehicle crime surged by 150% in May, rising from 2 to 5 incidents. This jump may be linked to increased car ownership or temporary parking patterns during May's bank holidays. Shoplifting also saw a 40% increase, reaching 7 incidents, which places it 22% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This anomaly suggests targeted retail areas may be experiencing heightened activity during the month's extended evenings. Conversely, public order offences fell by 60% compared to April, likely reflecting reduced outdoor socialising as the weather improved. The category breakdown reveals a striking contrast: while violence and sexual offences accounted for 26.9% of all crimes, anti-social behaviour (23.1%) and shoplifting (13.5%) together made up nearly 40% of the total. This mix indicates that non-violent, property-related crimes are driving the local crime picture compared to the UK, where violent crime dominates more significantly.

Godalming's crime rate in May 2023 fell to 4.5 per 1,000 residents, a 21.3% drop from the previous month's 5.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader seasonal trends in the area, where reduced foot traffic during May bank holidays may contribute to lower opportunities for petty crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 2 crimes per day in May, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 223 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure is significantly lower than the UK average, it reflects the area's consistently low crime profile. The population-scaled perspective underscores that Godalming's residents face a markedly lower risk of encountering crime compared to the national average, with violent crime rates 57% below the UK benchmark. This context suggests that the area's community-focused policing strategies and strong local engagement may be reinforcing a culture of safety that persists through seasonal fluctuations.