Burglary and car theft means it is LESS safe to live in affluent areas with big detached homes in Surrey?!

[Pineapplepiepie]

The local surrey news and resident newsletter has over the last 2 years talked a lot about people breaking into homes, going into driveways to steal cars and catalytic converters, and gangs stalking tree lined roads in cars to see where they next target.

I am not talking about council estates or run down areas known for crime, but affluent leafy areas with big detached homes... specifically Epsom Downs, South Cheam, South Sutton, Banstead.

Does this mean it is LESS safe to live on these homes given thieves target these areas and that it is safer to live in relatively more modest roads with semi detached homes, people closer together, and therefore less quiet roads?

Rich pickings isn't it. There is probably a difference in crime type - large houses more likely a 2 in 1 burglary, or breaking in to just get the keys, semi's more run of the mill breaking and entering.

Im not sure I'd feel less safe, but security would always feel an issue.

Security is always an issue in big detached houses in affluent areas. You're more likely to get the masked violent burglary. Scares me rigid to be honest.

I live in an affluent part of London but not so many detached houses & busy. Burglaries & car, catalytic theft is very common. Most people have cctv &/or ring doorbell & alarms etc.

I agree you are less likely to get the masked gang, more of the grab & go.

We had a bike stolen from outside our house (not detached). More fool them it - it was damaged and going to the tip. I think we had something else taken too - again it was a heap of junk.

We have never had anything nicked again. Even when there was a spate of it in our area. We don't have anything worth stealing. Even our cars aren't that great. We prefer to spend our money on gym, nice food and wine and holidays. I think there's a truth to that.

I would be scared of a violent robbery if I lived in a big house.

No.

www.crimesurvey.co.uk/en/index.html

I moved from zone 2 London to a similar area to those mentioned a few years ago. It seems to me that here there are more crimes against property (burglary, catalytic converters theft, etc) and fewer crimes against the person. I feel safer out here in dullsville.

Car theft is quite common in those areas yes. Mostly because it's easy, low risk and high rewards. I know someone who had their expensive car stollen from their driveway around there.

They hang around to catch the signal you key fob sends, once they have that they can just get into your car and drive away.

So why would people move to these affluent areas with big homes and leafy streets if they have to face the scary prospect of burglaries, people coming onto the drive to take the car away...?

Which is the worst out of the areas listed? Epsom Downs, South Cheam, South Sutton, Banstead. I always thought these are posh and desirable areas but maybe I was wrong given it can't be desirable can it if there are these crimes happening?

Epsom Downs is probably the "worst" but the area still has relatively low crime. Rural crime has become more of an issue during the pandemic, but possibly also more noticeable and detected due to quieter roads and more cctv cameras etc

crime happens everywhere though & car theft is one of the least scary crimes imo.

I wouldn't say those areas are particularly posh though.

@countrytown

crime happens everywhere though & car theft is one of the least scary crimes imo.

I wouldn't say those areas are particularly posh though.

I looked up these roads and they look fancy and posh to me...

• Mospey Crescent (Epsom Downs)
• The Avenue (South Cheam)
• The Dene (South Cheam)
• Garrard Road (Banstead)

They have big houses & gardens if that's what you mean by posh? I live in Wandsworth which has flats the same prices as houses in those areas. Posh is Kensington or Chelsea.

I live in this area. I don’t stay awake at night worrying about the car being stolen: it’s insured, there’d be some hassle and paintwork abd inconvenience if it happened but that’s all. However I feel supremely safe walking home from the pub at night. That’s priceless.

The houses are £1-2m which is posh to me. But yes it's not as posh as kensington or chelsea of course, agreed on that!

Paperwork not paintwork

For 1m in those areas you get a good sized house & garden whereas in z3 a million would struggle to get you a 3 bed terrace.

I would say those areas are safe though if that's your concern. Thinking about it the masked gangs hit places like Wimbledon Village.

@countrytown

I would say those areas are safe though if that's your concern. Thinking about it the masked gangs hit places like Wimbledon Village.

Are you serious?! Wow, I thought Wimbledon Village is like the most peaceful place ever whenever I visit...

And yes the concern is safety really... whether it's safe to walk around in the evenings, and at night when we sleep if burglary happens all the time. Don't know anyone that live in those places sadly.

The only time I’ve ever been a victim of theft was when I lived in a naice part of Wimbledon. Someone stole my bike from my balcony on the third floor! I’m still impressed that they managed it.

It’s just how you weigh up where you want to live. I would’ve thought it was pretty obvious rich areas with large detached houses, surrounded by gardens are much more likely to be robbed while living in old tower block type places in traditionally poorer areas you’re more likely to suffer from anti social behaviour. Although when I lived in a council estate it was a brilliant community, really looked out for each other and there were just a few dodgy people that gave the whole place a bad reputation.

@Pineapplepiepie it's lovely but it's rich & posh so attracts burglaries plus many houses are probably empty.

@JurassicPark101 how did they manage that?!

@Pineapplepiepie those areas you listed are safe. I grew up in Wandsworth but went to school in Wimbledon & have friends from those areas you listed who still live there. Just get an alarm for peace of mind.

Depends on the cars. A lot of people in those areas would tend to drive BMWs, Audis, Range Rovers etc.

We are in big detached house although not in those areas and I reckon our eleven year old Honda is much less enticing to a would be burglar than a more upmarket car! So we are less tempting generally.