Chalfont St Peter Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

October 2023 marked a notable shift in Chalfont St Peter's crime profile, with an overall crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents — 32.5% below the UK average of 8.0. The area's crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (30 incidents, 41.1% of total) and anti-social behaviour (15 cases, 20.6%), both significantly lower than national averages. This pattern aligns with the area's character as a largely rural commuter town with limited nightlife infrastructure, where violent crime is less common than in urban centres. Seasonal factors may have played a role: the return of darker evenings after the clocks went back and Halloween activities could have influenced anti-social behaviour rates. Property crimes accounted for 24.7% of all incidents, with vehicle crime (8 cases) and public order offences (8 cases) standing out. While vehicle crime remains above the UK average (0.5 per 1,000), its relatively low frequency (0.6 per 1,000) suggests local traffic patterns or parking habits may contribute. The absence of major retail hubs or high-density housing reduces opportunities for theft, but the small number of incidents means data interpretation must remain cautious. This month's figures reinforce Chalfont St Peter's reputation as a low-crime area, though seasonal fluctuations and specific incidents warrant ongoing monitoring.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in vehicle crime, which doubled from 4 to 8 incidents — a 100% increase. This surge, though still modest in absolute terms, may reflect increased vehicle activity during the transition to darker evenings or seasonal travel patterns. Other crime also saw a 100% rise, with a single reported incident (likely a minor offence) emerging from no cases in the previous month. Possession of weapons, another category with a 100% increase, rose from 0 to 1 case, though such incidents are rare and may be isolated. Conversely, burglary fell sharply by 60%, from 5 to 2 cases, due to heightened community awareness or seasonal factors reducing opportunities for entry. Shoplifting dropped by a third (3 to 2 cases), likely linked to reduced foot traffic during the post-Christmas period, though October typically sees fewer retail visitors than November. Violence and sexual offences remained 19% below the UK average (2.7 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour was 14% below the national rate (1.3 per 1,000). These figures suggest that the area's low population density and limited nightlife reduce opportunities for such crimes. However, vehicle crime's 15% above the UK average highlights a local vulnerability that may warrant targeted policing or infrastructure adjustments.

Chalfont St Peter's crime rate in October 2023 (5.4 per 1,000) represented a 16.0% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.7 per 1,000. This rise, while significant, kept the area firmly below the UK average. On a daily basis, the local figure of 2 crimes per day (73 total over 31 days) illustrates a manageable level of activity for a community of 13,420 residents. Monthly exposure calculations show that over the course of October, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 184 residents — a rate far lower than the national average. This statistic provides a tangible benchmark for residents: the likelihood of experiencing a crime is significantly reduced compared to larger urban areas. The population context is critical: with 13,420 residents, even a small number of incidents can create a noticeable impact, yet the low rate suggests effective local policing or community engagement. The 16% increase from the previous month may reflect seasonal factors, such as the clocks going back or Halloween-related activity. Comparing this to the UK average highlights the area's success in maintaining a low crime profile, despite the upward trend in October.