Godalming Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Godalming's crime rate in November 2024 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 38.2% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels in the built-up area within Waverley, a region historically characterised by a mix of residential and commercial zones. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.3% of all reported incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (13.0%) and shoplifting (11.1%). These patterns align with the area's seasonal rhythms, as November typically sees spikes in retail-related activity around Black Friday and the darker evenings associated with Bonfire Night. The relatively low overall crime rate may partly explain the significant underperformance of violent crime compared to the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 1.6 per 1,000—38% below the national benchmark. Meanwhile, shoplifting's sharp rise to 6 incidents, though still below the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, suggests a possible link to increased foot traffic in retail areas during the festive shopping period. The area's lower crime profile is consistent with its smaller population and limited exposure to high-density urban environments, though local factors such as community policing or demographic characteristics may also play a role. These findings underscore the need for continued monitoring of seasonal trends, particularly as November's events may influence December's crime statistics.

November 2024 saw a 25.6% increase in Godalming's overall crime rate compared to October, driven by a 500% surge in shoplifting incidents and a 250% rise in criminal damage and arson. This spike in shoplifting—from one to six reported cases—suggests a potential link to Black Friday promotions, though the rate remains 28% below the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. Concurrently, anti-social behaviour fell by 50%, dropping from 10 to 5 cases, possibly reflecting the impact of local initiatives or seasonal shifts in public activity. Violence and sexual offences remained 38% below the UK average, despite a 25.6% month-on-month rise in total crime. This contrast highlights the area's relative safety in violent crime categories, even as property-related offences increased. The 100% rise in possession of weapons cases—from zero to one—though statistically minimal, warrants attention given the UK average of 0.1 per 1,000. For residents, the 54 total crimes reported in November (equivalent to 2 daily) offer a tangible measure of local crime exposure. gap from the UK average remains a key point of comparison.

Godalming's November 2024 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents represents a 25.6% increase from October's 3.7 per 1,000, yet it remains 38.2% below the UK average. This monthly fluctuation aligns with the seasonal context of November, which typically sees heightened activity in retail sectors and community events like Bonfire Night. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 215 residents, a figure that, while illustrative of local exposure, must be contextualised within the area's smaller population. On a daily basis, Godalming recorded an average of two crimes per day—a rate that, when compared to the UK's broader urban and rural mix, underscores the area's lower crime density. This comparison is particularly relevant for residents considering the relative safety of Godalming compared to national benchmarks. The 54 total crimes reported in November, though a rise from October, remain significantly below the UK's 7.6 per 1,000, suggesting that local factors—such as community policing, lower population density, or economic characteristics—continue to influence the area's crime profile. These figures, when viewed through the lens of population size, provide a more nuanced understanding of how Godalming's crime profile differs from larger urban centres.