Waverley Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a district of 134,284 residents, Waverley’s crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 in April 2025 translates to 470 reported crimes—a figure that, while significant, remains 54.5% below the UK average. This discrepancy highlights a combination of geographical and demographic factors that may contribute to the area’s relative safety. The district’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (30.6% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.6%) and criminal damage (11.5%). These patterns suggest a mix of urban and suburban characteristics, with the higher incidence of violent crime possibly linked to the presence of multiple educational institutions and the associated transient population. The lower rates of property crime compared to the UK average—particularly the 70% shortfall in shoplifting—may reflect robust local retail security measures and the absence of major commercial hubs. Seasonal context also plays a role: April’s Easter period and increased outdoor activity could have influenced the distribution of crime types, with public order offences and anti-social behaviour peaking during the spring transition. However, the district’s overall stability, as evidenced by its consistently low crime rate, indicates a possible synergy between community engagement initiatives and law enforcement strategies. The sharp increase in theft from the person and bicycle theft, though small in scale, deserves closer attention, as these crimes may signal vulnerabilities in specific locations or times of day that could be addressed through targeted interventions.

April 2025 saw sharp increases in theft from the person and bicycle theft, both tripling from their March figures. This 300% surge, though small in absolute numbers (four incidents), may partly explain the 150% rise in 'other crime' cases, potentially linked to transient activity or unsecured property. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 24.2%, from 190 to 144 incidents—a drop that, while modest, aligns with the seasonal trend of reduced indoor gatherings as Easter approaches. Public order offences also declined by 21.7%, from 46 to 36, reflecting the easing of post-Christmas retail pressures. Waverley’s violence rate of 1.1 per 1,000 is 58% below the UK average, a gap that may be attributable to the district’s lower density and stronger community policing presence. The 70% shortfall in shoplifting compared to the UK average underscores the effectiveness of retail security measures in Waverley’s high streets.

Waverley’s crime rate in April 2025 fell to 3.5 per 1,000 residents, a 2.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.6 per 1,000. This slight downward trend aligns with seasonal patterns typical of early spring, when outdoor activity increases but crime rates in many areas stabilise after the winter lull. On a daily basis, the district recorded approximately 16 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with historical averages, remains well below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 286 residents, a ratio that places Waverley among the safest local authority districts in the country. With a population of 134,284, the total of 470 crimes represents a manageable burden for local services, though the sharp increase in theft from the person and bicycle theft raises questions about targeted vulnerabilities. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Waverley’s crime profile is not only lower in absolute terms but also more evenly distributed across categories compared to the UK average, suggesting a combination of effective policing and community factors.