Godalming Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Godalming's crime profile revealed a nuanced interplay between property and violent crime, with the latter slightly dominating. The overall crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents placed the area 33.8% below the UK average, a figure that highlights its relatively low-risk environment. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.6% of all reported crimes, a category that itself was 30% below the UK average. This apparent contradiction may be explained by the area's unique characteristics: as a built-up area within Waverley, Godalming likely benefits from a mix of residential and commercial activity that deters large-scale violent incidents while still exposing residents to interpersonal conflicts. Public order offences, however, stood out as an anomaly, comprising 22.0% of total crimes and 108% above the UK average. This discrepancy could be linked to the Easter period, when increased foot traffic and seasonal events might heighten tensions in public spaces. The seasonal context of April—marked by spring weather and the Easter holiday—likely influenced these patterns, with outdoor activity contributing to both the rise in public order issues and the decline in vehicle crime (which fell 66.7% month-on-month). The relatively low rates of property crimes (19 incidents) compared to violent crimes (21) suggest a community where personal safety concerns may outweigh fears of theft, a dynamic consistent with the presence of local amenities and services that foster social cohesion. However, the 200% increase in 'other theft' and 100% rise in bicycle theft indicate areas requiring targeted interventions, particularly as spring cycling activity resumes.

April 2024 saw stark contrasts in crime trends, with 'other theft' surging by 200% compared to March, reflecting a sharp increase from one to three incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, may signal heightened vulnerability in specific areas or increased reporting. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 66.7% (from six to two incidents), potentially linked to reduced car usage during Easter holidays or improved security measures. The balance between property and violent crime shifted with violent crimes (21) slightly outpacing property crimes (19), a trend consistent with the area's higher share of violence and sexual offences (35.6% of total crimes). Public order offences in Godalming were 108% above the UK average, a stark contrast to categories like anti-social behaviour, which were 67% below the national rate. Residents may find the 100% increase in bicycle theft particularly concerning, highlighting potential gaps in local bike security initiatives.

Godalming's crime rate in April 2024 remained stable at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, matching the same figure recorded in March 2024. This consistency suggests no abrupt shifts in overall criminal activity, though specific crime types show marked fluctuations. Daily crime data reveals an average of two reported incidents per day, a figure that aligns with the area's relatively low overall rate compared to the UK average. Over the course of April, one crime occurred for every 197 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area's safety profile. This statistic, while seemingly low, must be contextualised within Godalming's population of 11,597 and its character as a built-up area within Waverley. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the volatility in specific categories, such as the 200% increase in 'other theft' and the 66.7% drop in vehicle crime, which may reflect seasonal factors or localised events during the Easter period.