Godalming Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Godalming's crime profile in March 2024, accounting for 30.5% of all reported crimes. With a total crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents — 33.8% below the UK average of 7.7 — the area continues to show a distinct pattern compared to national trends. Anti-social behaviour (22.0%) and public order offences (11.9%) form the next most significant categories, suggesting a focus on community-based and public space-related issues. This contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences typically account for 40% of all crimes. The seasonal transition to spring may influence these patterns, as longer evenings and changing social dynamics could contribute to increased incidents of public disorder and interpersonal conflict. Godalming's property crime rate (18 incidents) is lower than the UK average for this category, with shoplifting and burglary both significantly below national levels. This may reflect the area's character as a relatively stable, low-density built-up area with strong community policing presence, though the rise in vehicle crime and public order offences suggests evolving challenges. The interplay of local demographics, urban design, and seasonal rhythms appears to shape these trends, with violence and sexual offences serving as the primary driver of the area's crime profile.

March 2024 saw a 200% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 2 to 6 incidents — the most significant jump across all categories. This surge coincides with the transition to spring, when increased traffic and longer evenings may heighten opportunities for vehicle-related offences. Public order offences also rose sharply by 133.3%, from 3 to 7, indicating potential tensions in public spaces as social activity intensifies. In contrast, other theft and burglary both declined, with other theft falling 80% (from 5 to 1) and burglary dropping 50% (from 2 to 1), suggesting effective local interventions or natural fluctuations. Violence and sexual offences (18 incidents) remain 40% below the UK average for this category, while anti-social behaviour (13 incidents) is 5% below the national rate. The area's drug-related crime (2 incidents) is also 5% below the UK average, though this remains a small proportion of overall crime. These variations highlight the complexity of local crime dynamics, with some categories showing resilience against national trends while others reflect the impact of seasonal and environmental factors.

Godalming's crime rate in March 2024 (5.1 per 1,000 residents) represents a 31.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 3.9 per 1,000, indicating a notable upward shift over the short term. On a daily basis, this translates to roughly 2 crimes reported each day in Godalming — a figure that, while low, underscores the ongoing need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 197 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to local population sizes. This suggests that Godalming's residents face a lower risk of experiencing crime compared to the national average, though the recent rise in vehicle and public order offences may signal emerging concerns. The area's population of 11,597 residents provides context for interpreting these figures, with the crime rate per capita remaining well below the UK average. While the absolute number of crimes (59 total) is modest, the percentage increases in specific categories highlight the importance of monitoring trends over time. These comparisons illustrate that Godalming's crime picture, while generally safer than the UK average, requires attention to the specific types of crime that are growing in frequency.