Godalming Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Godalming’s crime rate in November 2023 remained at 5.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure 28% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This performance positions the area as one of the safer built-up regions in the country, though the distribution of crime types reveals a complex picture. Violent crimes dominated the month, accounting for 56.5% of all reported incidents, with 35 cases of violence and sexual offences recorded. This category, while below the UK rate for some offences, is 16% above the national average for violence and sexual offences, a discrepancy that may be influenced by the area’s population dynamics and the impact of seasonal factors. Public order offences, at 12.9% of total crimes, also exceeded UK averages by 32%, potentially linked to the increased activity associated with Bonfire Night and the start of the festive shopping season. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell significantly below the UK average by 62%, a trend that could reflect the community’s relatively cohesive social fabric or the effectiveness of local policing efforts. The month’s crime profile is shaped by the interplay of local characteristics—Godalming’s mix of residential and commercial areas, its proximity to natural spaces, and its role as a commuter hub—each of which may contribute to the patterns observed. As November progresses into December, the seasonal context of darker evenings and holiday-related activity may further influence crime trends, particularly in retail zones and public spaces.

November saw a sharp 300% increase in shoplifting, rising from one to four incidents—a jump that likely reflects the timing of Black Friday sales and the influx of shoppers. Concurrently, robbery cases doubled, moving from zero to two, a change that could be tied to the same seasonal shopping activity or increased foot traffic in retail areas. Violent crimes also rose by 25%, with 35 incidents reported, placing the category 16% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences. This increase may be partially explained by the darker evenings typical of November, which can reduce visibility and deter natural surveillance in public spaces. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and other thefts fell below UK averages by 62% and 52% respectively, indicating that some categories remain comparatively low. For residents, the shoplifting surge serves as a clear reminder to remain vigilant during high-traffic periods.

Godalming’s crime rate remained stable at 5.4 per 1,000 residents in November 2023, matching the same figure recorded in October. This consistency suggests no significant shifts in overall criminal activity over the past month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day, a figure that aligns with the low overall rate. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for every 187 residents over the course of the month, a ratio that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to the UK average. While the rate is unchanged, the distribution of crime types has shifted, with violent offences rising and property crimes falling, a trend that may reflect seasonal factors such as darker evenings and the timing of local events like Bonfire Night. This stability in the overall rate contrasts with the fluctuations in specific categories, highlighting the importance of examining crime types alongside aggregate figures.