Rural Waverley Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 190 residents in Rural Waverley, one crime was reported in May 2023, translating to a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 people. This is 33.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a safer environment compared to national trends. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (31.2% of total), anti-social behaviour (21.3%), and criminal damage and arson (9.8%). These figures align with patterns seen in rural built-up areas, where local social hubs and isolated properties may contribute to specific crime types. May's longer evenings and bank holidays likely increased outdoor socialising, which may partly explain the prevalence of violence and anti-social behaviour. However, the area's low property crime rate compared to the UK average suggests effective local measures in securing homes and public spaces. The seasonal context of May—marked by warmer weather and extended daylight—could also influence crime patterns, with increased foot traffic deterring vehicle-related crimes but creating opportunities for public order offences. While the overall crime rate remains stable, the breakdown of offences highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas prone to interpersonal conflicts and property damage.

May 2023 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with bicycle theft, shoplifting, and public order offences all doubling from April, suggesting emerging patterns linked to seasonal activity. Conversely, burglary and other thefts decreased by 50% and 55.6% respectively, potentially reflecting heightened awareness during the Easter holiday period or improved security measures. Violence and sexual offences, though still the most common category, were 42% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the national picture. Vehicle crime, at 11% above the UK average, may be influenced by the area's rural roads and limited public transport options. The sharp increase in public order offences—doubling from 2 to 4—could indicate challenges in managing social gatherings during May's extended evenings. Residents should be aware that while overall crime remains low, vigilance around unsecured bicycles and personal belongings is warranted given the rise in shoplifting. The data also shows that anti-social behaviour, though 17% below the UK average, remains a significant local concern, tied to the built-up nature of the area and its social dynamics.

Rural Waverley's crime rate fell by 9.0% month-on-month, dropping from 5.8 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents in May 2023. This decline, though modest, suggests a continued trend of stability in local crime levels. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 61 incidents as a manageable pace for a community of 11,588 people. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 190 residents, a statistic that translates to a relatively low risk for individuals compared to national averages. When viewed against the UK context, the area's performance in reducing violent crime—31.2% of all offences compared to 42% nationally—is particularly noteworthy. However, the 11% above-average rate for vehicle crime highlights a specific vulnerability. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the absolute number of crimes is small, the proportion of violent offences suggests a need for community-focused initiatives to address interpersonal tensions. The comparison also underscores that Rural Waverley's built-up character, while contributing to some crime types, has not led to the higher property crime rates typically seen in larger urban centres.