Woking Crime Rate

Woking presents an exceptionally positive safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 75.1 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the district a high safety score of 83/100. The area is currently experiencing a stable trend in criminal activity, with a minor increase of 5.0% year-over-year. For a population of over 105,000, these figures suggest a very secure and well-managed environment. Residents benefit from a property crime rate of 23.6 per 1,000, which is also much lower than the national average of 32.9. This context establishes Woking as one of the safer local authority areas in Surrey, comparing favourably to many of its regional and national counterparts.

About Woking

Woking is a large town and local authority district in Surrey, serving as a significant commuter hub due to its excellent rail links to London. The area is characterised by its affluent suburban neighbourhoods, a vibrant and modern town centre, and several high-tech business parks. These factors create a diverse demographic, ranging from families and professionals to a transient population of commuters and shoppers.

The district's characteristics influence its crime statistics. The busy town centre, with its extensive retail and nightlife sectors, naturally attracts higher levels of opportunistic crime such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Conversely, the surrounding residential areas like West Byfleet and Brookwood are known for being exceptionally quiet and safe. Economic factors, including Woking's relative prosperity, can make the area a target for property-related offences, while its high population density compared to more rural parts of Surrey contributes to the overall volume of reports. These factors combined result in a high safety score of 83/100, reflecting Woking's status as a secure and desirable place to live despite its urban activity.

Crime in Woking

Crime in the Woking district is primarily led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.3% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (15.1%) and public order offences (10.5%). These three categories represent the majority of police activity, consistent with trends in other major Surrey towns where behavioural and personal offences are most frequently recorded.

Property-related crime in Woking, including burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 23.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, indicating that the district is generally very safe for homeowners. Burglary itself accounts for only 2.9% of total crime, with a rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is also low at 3.8% of the total. For residents, this means that while the overall risk to property is low, the combination of shoplifting (7.1%), criminal damage (8.1%), and other theft (6.9%) still necessitates a proactive approach to security. Homeowners should focus on maintaining a secure property perimeter to discourage opportunistic crime in this generally safe district.

Woking Crime Trends

The crime trend in Woking is currently stable, with a minor increase of 5.0% year-over-year. This suggests that the district is maintaining its high safety levels and is not experiencing any major surge in criminal activity. Analyzing the monthly data from the past year shows a degree of consistency with some minor fluctuations.

The crime rate hit its lowest point in February, recording 4.9 per 1,000 residents. A slight upward trend was seen through the spring and summer, with peaks of 7.2 occurring in June and August. These summer peaks are common across many UK areas as warmer weather typically leads to more social interaction and opportunistic crime. However, the rate subsided in the autumn, returning to 6.1 in September. This pattern suggests that while residents should remain extra vigilant during the summer months, the long-term trend in Woking is one of stability. The district's ability to consistently maintain a rate well below the national average is a strong indicator of its secure environment.

Within the regional context of Surrey and the South East, Woking is part of a very safe cluster of areas. Its crime rate of 75.1 per 1,000 is slightly lower than neighbouring Rushmoor (82.3) but higher than some other immediate neighbours like Guildford, Surrey Heath, Runnymede, Elmbridge, and Spelthorne, which often report exceptionally low crime rates. This is expected given Woking's role as a major urban and commercial hub. Despite this, Woking maintains a high safety score of 83/100, proving that even as a busy commuter town, it offers a secure environment that is far safer than the UK average. It remains a top choice for those seeking a balance of safety and connectivity.

Enhanced Property Security in Woking

Woking’s property crime rate of 23.6 per 1,000 people is a very positive indicator for homeowners, sitting well below the UK average. However, with burglary and vehicle crime still occurring, maintaining high security standards is essential for long-term peace of mind. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or smart doorbells, are often reactive—they provide you with a recording of an event after it has already occurred. By the time you get a notification, the damage is often done.

For Woking residents who want to move from recording crime to preventing it, scOS offers a proactive solution. As an AI-powered security operating system, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It uses intelligent detection to identify potential threats before they reach your home, distinguishing between a delivery person and a suspicious individual. With autonomous responses like activating floodlights or sirens, scOS can deter a criminal in the 60 seconds they usually take to decide on a target. In a safe district like Woking, the proactive vigilance of scOS provides a premium level of protection that reactive systems simply cannot match. Investing in prevention is the most effective way to safeguard your home and family.

How To Keep Safe in Woking

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Woking. While the district is much safer than the UK average and trends are stable, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal safety across the local authority area.

1. Be Aware in the Town Centre: With shoplifting and anti-social behaviour being top concerns, stay extra vigilant with your bags and personal items when in Woking's busy retail and nightlife areas.
2. Secure Your Property: Although burglary is low, ensuring all doors and windows are locked when you are out or asleep is essential for maintaining the area's high safety standards.
3. Plan Your Evening Journeys: When out in the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and use reputable taxi services if you are travelling alone.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps authorities identify problem areas and allocate resources effectively.
5. Install Motion-Activated Lighting: For homeowners, installing external lighting can discourage opportunistic anti-social behaviour and criminal damage around your property, especially in more suburban neighbourhoods.