Wokingham Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Wokingham's crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in May 2024 is 52.4% below the UK average of 8.4, positioning the area as one of the safest in the country. This consistent gap from national trends reflects a combination of local characteristics and effective policing strategies. The most common crime type, violence and sexual offences (268 cases, 35.6% of total), remains 51% below the UK average for this category, a figure that may be influenced by Wokingham's suburban demographics and community-focused initiatives. Anti-social behaviour (96 cases, 12.8% of total) and shoplifting (66 cases, 8.8% of total) also show significant gaps from UK averages, with the latter category 38% below the national rate. Seasonal factors in May—such as bank holidays and longer evenings—may have contributed to fluctuations in public order offences, which rose sharply by 84.8% compared to April. However, the overall stability in violent crime rates suggests a resilient community environment. The area's lower property crime rates (293 cases, 38.9% of total) compared to UK averages for burglary and vehicle crime indicate that local infrastructure, including secure housing and transportation systems, likely plays a role in maintaining this safety profile. These patterns are consistent with Wokingham's identity as a commuter town with strong community ties and a focus on proactive crime prevention.

Public order offences in May 2024 surged by 84.8%, rising from 33 to 61 cases. This sharp increase aligns with May's extended evenings and bank holidays, which may have intensified socialising and outdoor drinking in public spaces. Bicycle theft also rose by 50.0%, from 10 to 15 cases, a trend that contrasts with the UK average where bicycle theft is 25% higher. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 29.0%, dropping from 93 to 66 cases—a decline that may reflect improved retail security measures or seasonal shifts in consumer behaviour. Violent crimes, at 268 incidents (35.6% of total), remain 51% below the UK average for this category. The decrease in robbery by 37.5% (from 8 to 5 cases) suggests a possible reduction in targeted attacks, though the small sample size limits definitive conclusions about underlying factors.

Wokingham's crime rate for May 2024 rose slightly to 4.0 per 1,000 residents, a 3.6% increase from the previous month's 3.9. This places the area firmly within the UK's lower quartile for crime, with a consistent 52.4% gap below the national average of 8.4. On a daily basis, the local figure of 24 crimes per day provides context for residents, though this remains far below the UK's broader trends. Over the course of the month, the 1-in-249 residents figure underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to other areas. With a population of 187,200, Wokingham's crime profile reflects a mix of suburban and commuter characteristics, where routine patterns—such as retail activity and public transport usage—likely shape the distribution of offences. The local context, including proximity to London and a balanced mix of residential and commercial zones, may contribute to this sustained safety record relative to the UK average.