Waverley Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.1% of all reported crimes in Waverley during December 2024, a figure that remains 53% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 for this category. This stark contrast with the national profile highlights the area's unique crime dynamics, where violent crime rates are significantly lower than the UK norm. The overall crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents places Waverley well below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, reflecting a broader pattern of lower criminal activity. Anti-social behaviour (15.6% of total crimes) and public order offences (9.5%) formed the second and third most common crime types, both also well below UK averages. Seasonal factors may contribute to these patterns: the Christmas shopping peak and dark winter evenings likely influence retail-related crimes, though shoplifting rates in Waverley were 65% below the UK average. The area's relatively low crime profile could be attributed to its mix of residential and commercial zones, with fewer concentrated nightlife areas than larger urban centres. However, the persistent presence of violence and sexual offences—though still below national levels—suggests targeted policing efforts or community initiatives may be warranted in specific neighbourhoods. The data underscores a generally safe environment, but with clear opportunities for further reduction in specific categories.

December 2024 saw a 24.1% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 58 to 72 incidents. This uptick may be linked to seasonal pressures such as holiday gatherings and increased foot traffic in commercial areas. Meanwhile, theft from the person rose by 50% (2 to 3 cases), though this remains extremely low compared to the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. Conversely, vehicle crime fell sharply by 52.9% (34 to 16), possibly due to reduced outdoor activity during colder weather and fewer vehicles parked in public spaces. Burglary also decreased by 35.5% (31 to 20), a trend consistent with nationwide patterns during December when homes are often unoccupied for holidays. The violent crime category, while still the largest single category (35.1% of total crimes), remains 53% below the UK average. This suggests Waverley's policing strategies or community characteristics may be effectively mitigating violent crime, though further analysis would be needed to confirm causal factors. Possession of weapons increased by 50% (2 to 3 cases), a small but significant shift that warrants monitoring in the coming months.

Waverley's December 2024 crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents represents a 6.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 3.7 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for roughly every 291 residents, a figure that places the area among the safest in the UK. Daily crime activity averaged 15 incidents per day, a relatively low frequency compared to larger urban areas where daily counts often exceed 20. When scaled to the local population, these numbers suggest that residents face a significantly lower risk of victimisation than the UK average. The previous month's rate of 3.7 per 1,000 highlights a consistent pattern of low crime levels, with December's figures reinforcing this trend. While the overall rate remains stable, the shift in crime types—particularly the rise in anti-social behaviour and possession of weapons—suggests evolving challenges that may require tailored responses. The population-scaled perspective (1-in-291 residents) provides a tangible benchmark for residents to assess their personal risk, though this is a monthly aggregate and does not account for daily fluctuations.