Chesham Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Chesham

Chesham, a built-up area within Buckinghamshire, boasts a favourable crime profile with an overall crime rate of 72.0 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000, contributing to Chesham's high safety score of 83 out of 100, well above the national average of 78. In terms of recent trends, the area has experienced a stable period, with a slight year-over-year increase of 1.5%. This introduction provides a concise overview of Chesham's crime landscape, setting the context for a deeper analysis of specific crime types, temporal patterns, and comparisons with neighbouring communities.

Crime Type Analysis in Chesham

In Chesham, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, with 541 incidents recorded, representing 34.8% of all crimes at a rate of 25.1 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the second most common offence, with 222 reported incidents, making up 14.3% of the total, at 10.3 per 1,000. Public order offences follow as the third most frequent, with 128 crimes, representing 8.2% of all offences at 5.9 per 1,000 people.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Chesham records a rate of 26.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is considerably lower than the national property crime average of 33.2 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment for homeowners and residents regarding their possessions. Specific concerns include vehicle crime at 5.2 per 1,000 and burglary at 3.4 per 1,000. The overall lower property crime rate suggests that while vigilance is always important, the risk is generally reduced compared to many other parts of the UK.

Crime Trends in Chesham

Chesham has experienced a stable crime trend over the past year, with a slight year-over-year increase of 1.5%. This indicates that the overall crime situation has remained largely consistent, without significant escalating concerns. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals some fluctuations. The rate was 5.6 in October 2024, saw a dip to a low of 4.1 in April 2025, and then rose to a peak of 8.5 in June 2025 before declining to 4.8 in September 2025. These monthly figures suggest minor seasonal variations, with a noticeable increase during the summer months, a common pattern observed in many areas. For residents, this stable trend means that while vigilance is always advised, there isn't an observable rapid escalation in crime.

Time Patterns of Crime in Chesham

Crime in Chesham demonstrates particular temporal distributions throughout the day, influenced by community activities. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is a notable concern, often associated with the commencement of daily routines and commercial operations. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft continues to be prevalent, likely driven by increased public presence in commercial and public spaces. The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a shift, with 'other' crime types becoming more significant, alongside a sustained level of vehicle crime, possibly linked to social activities and unattended vehicles. In the night hours (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes a dominant issue, often targeting parked vehicles, while burglary also remains a concern. Understanding these patterns can help residents to be more vigilant at specific times.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Chesham's crime rate of 72.0 per 1,000 residents positions it as a relatively safe area when compared to its immediate neighbours. Smaller, more rural settlements like Lye Green, Ley Hill, Ashley Green, and Chartridge generally exhibit even lower crime figures, which is typical for less densely populated areas. Chesham, while a built-up area, maintains a safety profile closer to these quieter communities rather than larger urban centres. This comparison highlights Chesham's appealing balance, offering urban amenities with a crime rate that remains below many comparable areas, providing a sense of security for its residents within the regional context.

Protecting Your Property in Chesham

With Chesham's property crime rate at 26.5 per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the national average, it is still wise for homeowners to consider robust security solutions. Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings of incidents after they occur, offering evidence rather than preventing the crime itself. For those seeking to actively deter and prevent crime, a proactive approach to home security is essential.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS offer a significant advantage by preventing crime before it happens. These systems employ multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at the property boundary, eliminating blind spots and responding in real-time. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly, while pattern learning distinguishes between family routines and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. An autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, can disorient intruders and make them move on within the crucial 60-second decision window. This professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, offering a proactive alternative to systems that merely record a burglary, thereby enhancing the safety of your home and belongings.