Chesham Crime Rate

Chesham currently maintains an overall crime rate of 73.2 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK national average of 91.6. The town holds a high safety score of 83/100, above the UK average of 79/100, indicating a secure environment. Recent data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows that the crime trend in Chesham is stable, with a minor year-over-year increase of 1.3%. With a property crime rate of 26.7 per 1,000 (below the UK average of 32.2), the area remains a safe place for its 21,592 residents. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the specific crime types and trends within the town.

In Chesham, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 36.4% of all incidents, with a rate of 26.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 14.4%, followed by other theft at 9.0%. These figures reflect the typical safety profile of a busy market town with an active social and commercial life.

Property-related crime in Chesham occurs at a rate of 26.7 per 1,000 people per year. This category is led by other theft (6.6 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (5.8 per 1,000), and shoplifting (5.5 per 1,000). Burglary occurs at a rate of 3.3 per 1,000, while vehicle crime stands at 3.8 per 1,000. The property crime rate is lower than the UK average of 32.2, suggesting that the town is relatively secure for homeowners.

For residents, these statistics mean that personal safety in public spaces and the protection of property are important considerations. While the burglary rate is relatively low, the prevalence of "other theft" and shoplifting suggests that opportunistic theft is common in commercial and public areas. Maintaining a high standard of home and vehicle security is still important to deter any criminal activity in this busy urban environment.

The crime trend in Chesham is currently stable, with a minor 1.3% increase in total crimes over the last year. This indicates that incident levels are holding steady. Monthly data from 2025 shows some fluctuation, with a low of 4.1 per 1,000 in April and a peak of 8.5 in June.

The summer and autumn months were generally more active, with June, July, August, and October all recording rates above 7.0 per 1,000. The year ended with a rate of 5.7 in December. This pattern of slightly higher activity in the warmer months is common and does not suggest any major emerging threats. For residents, this long-term stability means that Chesham remains a predictable and relatively secure town, with crime levels staying consistent month after month.

How To Keep Safe in Chesham

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Chesham, accounting for 36.4% of all incidents. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when in the town centre late at night. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through poorly lit areas.

Anti-social behaviour is also a notable factor (14.4%), so being mindful of local 'hotspots' and reporting any concerns to the local authorities can help improve community safety. With property crime being lower than average, maintaining standard security like locking all doors and windows is still vital. Other theft is also common (9.0%), so ensuring personal belongings are not left unattended in public is wise. For residents, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can provide valuable community insights and an extra layer of security. For vehicle owners, always double-check your car is locked and never leave valuables on display to deter opportunistic theft. Reporting suspicious activity helps maintain a safer environment for the entire Chesham community.

In Chesham, crime patterns show a distinct shift between day and night. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most common offence, accounting for over 50% of crimes. This is typical for a town with a busy commercial centre. However, as night falls, the nature of crime shifts towards more serious property offences. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime accounts for a substantial 30% of all reported incidents, while burglary rises to 25%. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic theft in public spaces, the night-time brings a much higher specific risk to parked vehicles and residential properties. Car owners should be particularly vigilant during the overnight hours.

Chesham is a major urban centre for its part of the region, and its crime figures reflect this role. When compared to nearby rural settlements like Lye Green, Ley Hill, Ashley Green, and Chartridge—all of which reported crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this period—Chesham's rate of 73.2 is naturally higher. As the primary economic and social hub for these surrounding areas, Chesham attracts higher levels of reported activity, which is typical for a market town serving a wider rural community.

With a property crime rate of 26.7 per 1,000 residents in Chesham, homeowners enjoy a relatively high level of safety, but the risk of theft remains. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV or basic alarm systems, are reactive. They record a crime as it happens or alert you after an intruder has already entered your home, which often leaves you with footage of a loss but does nothing to prevent it.

For those seeking the highest level of protection, proactive security is the most effective choice. The scOS AI-powered home security system is designed to stop crime before it reaches your front door. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously with intelligent AI, scOS can identify a potential intruder at your property boundary. It distinguishes between your family, delivery drivers, and genuine threats, only alerting you when necessary. With autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This proactive approach turns your home into a hard target, ensuring that criminals move on to an easier, less protected property.