Waverley Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Waverley's crime rate in May 2023 was 3.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 51.2% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area's relatively safe profile compared to the national picture. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (30.7% of all reported incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (22.5%) and public order offences (10.3%). These figures align with the broader trend of violent crime being 57% below the UK average, suggesting that Waverley's social fabric may have mechanisms that mitigate such incidents. However, the seasonal context of May—characterised by bank holidays, longer evenings, and increased outdoor socialising—may have influenced patterns. For instance, the rise in shoplifting (up 57.1% compared to April) could be attributed to increased foot traffic in retail areas during the month. The relatively low rates of property crimes, such as burglary (4.4% of total incidents) and vehicle crime (6.7%), may reflect the area's urban or suburban characteristics, where community presence and surveillance are more pronounced. These factors, combined with the area's demographic profile, likely contribute to the overall lower crime rate. While direct causal links, the interplay of seasonal activity, local infrastructure, and resident behaviour appears to shape the crime profile in Waverley.

The most striking change in May 2023 was the 57.1% increase in shoplifting, which rose from 21 to 33 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, suggests potential pressures on retail premises during the month. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 25.1%, from 215 to 161, a drop that may reflect the impact of longer evenings and increased outdoor activity during May. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 9.3%, though it remained 32% below the UK average. The significant decrease in other crime (down 61.9%) and burglary (down 28.1%) contrasts with the rise in shoplifting, indicating a shift in criminal focus. These changes may be influenced by seasonal factors such as bank holidays and extended daylight hours, which can alter both victim and offender behaviour.

Waverley's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 3.9 per 1,000 residents, an 11.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.4 per 1,000. This downward trend suggests a continued reduction in reported crimes, though seasonal factors may influence the pattern. Over the 31 days of May, the area recorded an average of 17 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the daily risk residents face. On a monthly basis, one crime was reported for every 256 residents, a measure that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. The population of 134,284 means that the absolute number of crimes, while significant, remains proportionally modest. This suggests that while crime is not absent, its prevalence is lower than in many other areas of the country. The decline in violent crimes and the sharp rise in shoplifting illustrate the dynamic nature of crime patterns, which may reflect broader societal or economic shifts.