Godalming Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 11,597 residents, Godalming's 44 reported crimes in September 2025 equate to roughly one crime for every 264 residents — a figure that contextualises the volume of incidents in relation to the local population. This crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents places Godalming 48.6% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, highlighting a consistently safer environment compared to national trends. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 22.7% of total incidents (10 cases), followed by shoplifting (18.2%) and drugs-related offences (11.4%). These patterns align with Godalming's character as a mixed-use town with a significant retail presence and proximity to educational institutions, which may contribute to both property and violent crime trends. Seasonal factors such as the return to school and university freshers' week in September could influence patterns, though the sharp decline in violence and sexual offences compared to August suggests local initiatives or natural seasonal rhythms may be at play. The relatively low rate of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (0.3 per 1,000) further reflect the area's quieter, more community-oriented nature compared to larger urban centres.

September 2025 saw dramatic shifts in crime patterns, with shoplifting surging by 700% (from 1 to 8 incidents) and other theft and public order offences each tripling (from 1 to 4). This sharp rise in shoplifting may be linked to the start of the academic year, as students and new residents navigate retail environments. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 56.5% compared to August, a drop consistent with the UK average for this category (2.6 per 1,000) and potentially reflecting reduced evening activity as schools resumed. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 40%, aligning with the UK average of 1.2 per 1,000. Shoplifting in Godalming (0.7 per 1,000) exceeded the UK average by 15%, suggesting local retail vulnerabilities despite the overall low crime rate. Meanwhile, drugs-related offences (0.4 per 1,000) were 54% above the UK average, a figure that may relate to Godalming's proximity to transport links or its role as a transit point for illicit activity. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted interventions in retail areas while acknowledging the broader safety profile of the town.

Godalming's crime rate in September 2025 (3.8 per 1,000) represents a 22.3% increase from the previous month's rate of 3.1 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. This rise translates to roughly one reported crime per day in the town, a figure that may feel more tangible when considering the local population: over the course of September, one crime occurred for every 264 residents. Compared to the previous month, the shift in crime mix saw a marked rise in shoplifting and public order offences, which may reflect the seasonal context of returning students and the start of the academic year. While the daily crime count appears modest, the proportion of specific offences — such as shoplifting exceeding the UK average by 15% — highlights areas requiring focused attention. For residents, this means that while the overall safety profile remains strong, localised spikes in certain categories demand awareness, particularly in retail hubs where shoplifting incidents have surged. The contrast with the UK average reinforces Godalming's position as a relatively low-risk area, though the month-on-month increase suggests ongoing vigilance is needed to address emerging patterns.