Spelthorne, Surrey** – Surrey Police have published the latest crime statistics for Spelthorne, covering the period from 1 April 2023 to 5 December 2024. The data shows a slight increase in overall crime, but positive outcomes—such as charges, cautions, or diversions—have risen significantly.

In total, **8,694 crimes** were recorded in Spelthorne during the 2023-2024 period, up from **8,447 crimes** in the previous year, representing a **2.9% increase**. However, the number of **positive outcomes**—where an individual was charged, cautioned, or given a diversion—rose sharply to **1,290** (up from **1,122** in 2022-2023), marking a **15% increase**.

The **outcome rate**—the percentage of crimes resulting in a positive outcome—currently stands at **14.8%**, up from **13.9%** last year. This marks a **6.5% increase** year-on-year and is significantly higher than the national average of **7.8%**. Spelthorne now boasts the second-highest outcome rate in the entire Surrey Police force area.

#### **Key Crime Trends**

– **Shoplifting**:
Shoplifting has seen a dramatic rise in Spelthorne, with **889 offences** recorded in 2023-2024, compared to **484** the previous year—a **83% increase**. The outcome rate for shoplifting also improved, rising by **6.5%** to **20.9%**, reflecting increased public confidence in reporting incidents and police commitment to investigating these crimes.

– **Vehicle Crime**:
Vehicle-related crime (including theft of and from vehicles) decreased by **14%**, with the outcome rate rising by **1.2%**. This suggests that while incidents of vehicle crime have fallen, police efforts in addressing these offences are yielding positive results.

– **Burglary**:
There was a significant rise in **burglary** incidents, which increased by **32%** from **255** to **337** cases. However, the outcome rate for burglary also improved by **8.8%** to **13%**, which is notably higher than the national average for burglary cases.

– **Drug Offences**:
Drug-related offences saw a **14.4% decrease**, continuing a trend of fewer drug crimes. The outcome rate for drug offences remains strong, with **66%** of cases resulting in a positive resolution.

– **Violent Crime**:
Violent crime in Spelthorne dropped by **2.4%**, while the outcome rate for violent incidents increased by **6.4%**, further demonstrating successful interventions by Surrey Police.

#### **Conclusion**
While Spelthorne experienced an overall rise in crime in the past year, the increased **positive outcome rate** suggests that Surrey Police are effectively addressing criminal activity. The rise in shoplifting and burglary incidents is concerning, but the improvements in resolving these cases show a clear commitment to tackling crime in the area.

The overall trend indicates that Spelthorne is benefiting from proactive policing, with the area’s outcome rate continuing to outperform national averages. Surrey Police’s focus on improving public confidence, investigating crimes thoroughly, and bringing offenders to justice has yielded positive results, though challenges remain in certain crime categories.

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting crimes and suspicious activities to help maintain the downward trend in violent and vehicle crime while addressing the rise in property offences.

Source: Spelthorne