Godalming Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2024, Godalming’s crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents placed it 37.8% below the UK average, a figure that translates to a daily risk of approximately 2 crimes per 1,000 people. This per-capita perspective reveals that, for every 197 residents, one crime was reported during the month—a statistic that, while not insignificant, highlights the area’s comparative safety. The breakdown of offences illustrates a mix of violent and non-violent activity, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 42.4% of all incidents (25 cases), followed by public order (15.3%) and anti-social behaviour (13.6%). These patterns align with the built-up area’s characteristics, where retail hubs and public spaces likely contribute to the prevalence of public order offences. Seasonal factors also played a role, as August’s peak holiday season—marked by increased tourism and temporary population shifts—may have influenced the rise in shoplifting and other thefts, while also potentially reducing opportunities for burglary in unoccupied homes. However, the absence of a corresponding spike in property crime suggests that local initiatives or environmental design may have mitigated such risks. Violent crime, though the most frequent category, remained 18% below the UK average, a disparity that could reflect the area’s demographic profile or community-focused interventions. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, which fell by 33.3% compared to July, may indicate the impact of targeted enforcement during the summer months. These dynamics paint a nuanced picture of a town balancing seasonal fluctuations with consistent efforts to maintain public safety.

August 2024 witnessed a 400% surge in both other theft and shoplifting, with incidents rising from 1 to 5 in each category. This spike, occurring against the backdrop of peak holiday activity, may be linked to increased foot traffic in retail areas or transient populations. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 33.3%, a decline from 12 to 8 incidents, possibly reflecting the effectiveness of local enforcement during busy periods. Violent crime, at 25 incidents (2.2 per 1,000), remained 18% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, a disparity that highlights Godalming’s relatively low exposure to severe offences. Meanwhile, public order offences—9 incidents (0.8 per 1,000)—surpassed the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 by 27%, a figure that could indicate challenges in managing crowds or enforcing regulations in high-traffic zones. These shifts underscore the combination of seasonal trends and local policing priorities.

August 2024 saw Godalming’s crime rate rise to 5.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 43.8% increase from the previous month’s 3.5 per 1,000. This shift translates to roughly 2 crimes reported daily across the built-up area—a figure that, while modest, reflects heightened activity during peak holiday season. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 197 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains lower than the UK average. This statistic offers a tangible lens for residents: the likelihood of encountering crime in Godalming during August was roughly 0.5% per individual, a figure that, when contextualised against the area’s population of 11,597, underscores the relative safety of the community. The contrast with the prior month highlights seasonal fluctuations, with August’s tourism-driven dynamics likely contributing to the uptick in public order offences and shoplifting. However, the absence of a corresponding rise in property crime suggests that local policing or community initiatives may have mitigated risks in that category.