Milford and Witley Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Milford and Witley during May 2023 reveals a balance between property and violent crime that reflects the area's character as a low-density built-up area within Waverley. With a crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents—47.5% below the UK average of 8.0—the area demonstrates a significantly lower exposure to crime than the national average. The distribution of crime types shows property crimes (12 incidents) accounted for 52% of all reported crimes, while violent crimes (8 incidents) made up 34.8% of the total. This suggests a pattern consistent with suburban areas where property-related incidents dominate but violent crime remains a notable concern. Seasonal factors in May, including longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, may partly explain the proportion of violent crimes recorded. The area's low crime rate contrasts with the UK average, particularly in categories like violence and sexual offences, which were 46% below the UK average. This could indicate effective local policing or community initiatives. The relatively low prevalence of vehicle crime (8.7% of total crimes) and shoplifting (4.4%) further aligns with the characteristics of a residential area with fewer commercial hubs compared to urban centres. These patterns collectively illustrate a community where property crime is more common than violent crime, but both remain well below the UK average. The overall crime rate for May 2023, while showing no dramatic seasonal shifts, maintains a consistent position relative to the UK average, suggesting a stable environment for residents.

May 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with criminal damage and arson increasing by 200% compared to the previous month, jumping from 2 to 6 incidents. This sharp rise may reflect heightened tensions during the Easter bank holiday period or increased outdoor activity in the area. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 66.7% (from 6 to 2 incidents), and shoplifting dropped by 66.7% (from 3 to 1 incident), potentially linked to reduced foot traffic during the Easter break or improved security measures. Other notable changes included a 100% increase in both 'other theft' and 'theft from the person' categories, suggesting a shift in criminal focus that may require further investigation. The area's violent crime rate of 1.5 per 1,000 (34.8% of total crimes) was 46% below the UK average, highlighting a safer environment for residents compared to the national picture. However, criminal damage and arson were 77% above the UK average, a stark contrast that may indicate local-specific challenges. These shifts in crime patterns offer insights for residents: while property crime remains the most common category, the spikes in criminal damage and arson could warrant increased vigilance in communal areas during peak social periods.

The crime rate in Milford and Witley for May 2023 (4.2 per 1,000) represents a 41.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000, marking a substantial downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 1 crime per day over the 31-day period, translating to a monthly exposure where one reported crime occurred for roughly every 239 residents. This figure, when contextualised against the population of 5,501, suggests that residents face a relatively low risk of encountering crime compared to the UK average. The area's position as a built-up region within Waverley, rather than a major urban centre, likely contributes to this lower exposure, as suburban environments often have lower crime rates than densely populated areas. While the overall rate has dropped significantly, the persistent gap between local and national averages—particularly in categories like violence and sexual offences (46% below UK average)—indicates that Milford and Witley's crime profile differs markedly from the UK context. This comparison underscores the importance of considering local demographics and geography when interpreting crime statistics, as factors such as population density, economic activity, and policing strategies can shape these outcomes. The 41% month-on-month reduction in crime rate may reflect seasonal patterns, with the Easter break potentially reducing opportunities for certain types of crime.