Waverley Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 134,284, Waverley recorded 596 crimes in April 2023, translating to a crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 41.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.1% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.1%) and public order offences (9.1%). These patterns align with seasonal dynamics typical of spring, when increased outdoor activity and Easter-related events may contribute to higher visibility of certain crimes. Violent crime rates in Waverley (1.6 per 1,000) are 38% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting effective local policing or community-focused initiatives. The relatively low rates of vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.2 per 1,000) further underscore Waverley’s distinct crime profile, potentially influenced by its urban-suburban character and limited high-density retail zones. Seasonal factors such as Easter and the transition to warmer weather may have amplified public order incidents, though the overall crime rate remains stable compared to historical averages for the area.

April 2023 saw significant month-on-month shifts in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour increasing by 52.1% (71 to 108 incidents) and vehicle crime rising by 84% (25 to 46). These increases may be linked to the Easter holiday period, which often sees higher foot traffic and social gatherings in public spaces. Conversely, shoplifting incidents fell by 43.2% (37 to 21), potentially reflecting reduced retail activity during school breaks or heightened security measures. Violent crime remained a dominant category, though its rate (1.6 per 1,000) is 38% below the UK average, a disparity that could indicate Waverley’s demographic composition or geographic characteristics. A sharp 100% increase in possession of weapons offences (2 to 4) raises questions about local enforcement or reporting practices, though the small absolute numbers limit definitive conclusions. The data also reveals that Waverley’s rates for criminal damage (51% below UK average) and anti-social behaviour (32% below) are markedly lower than national benchmarks, suggesting a community environment where such incidents are less prevalent. For residents, the 84% rise in vehicle crime highlights the need for heightened awareness in parking areas, particularly during peak travel periods.

Waverley’s crime rate in April 2023 rose by 19.4% compared to the previous month, increasing from 3.7 to 4.4 per 1,000 residents. This monthly increase, while notable, remains well below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 20 crimes per day, a figure that may seem high to residents but is contextualised by Waverley’s population size. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 225 residents, a ratio that is 1.6 times lower than the UK average monthly exposure (1 in 140 residents). When scaled to the local population, the 4.4 per 1,000 rate means that for every 1,000 people in Waverley, four crimes were recorded, compared to seven in the UK average. This disparity is most evident in categories like anti-social behaviour and public order offences, where Waverley’s rates are consistently 30-40% below national levels. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while Waverley’s crime rate increased slightly, its overall safety profile remains stronger than the UK average, particularly in categories such as burglary and shoplifting. These figures suggest that local factors—such as community policing, urban planning, or socioeconomic conditions—play a significant role in maintaining lower crime rates despite the seasonal fluctuations observed in April.