Chesham Crime Rate

Crime and Safety in Chesham

Chesham currently has an overall crime rate of 72.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. The town's high level of safety is further evidenced by its safety score of 83/100, which is well above the UK average of 79. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Chesham is stable, with a minor 1.8% increase year-over-year, which is negligible in absolute terms. As a historic market town, Chesham offers a relatively peaceful and secure environment for its residents. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety advice based on the most recent statistics from December 2024 to November 2025.

Crime Breakdown in Chesham

In Chesham, the safety landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 36.1% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 26.2 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.2% and other theft at 8.9%. These statistics indicate that personal safety and street-level disruption are the most frequent concerns for the local community.

Property-related crime in Chesham—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—has a combined rate of 26.8 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson account for 8.6% of total crime, while shoplifting and vehicle crime make up 7.3% and 5.7% respectively. Burglary is relatively low, representing only 4.0% of total crime. For residents, this suggests that while the risk of a serious break-in is statistically modest, opportunistic theft and damage to property are more common. Homeowners should focus on securing their boundaries and vehicles to mitigate these more frequent property risks.

Crime Trends in Chesham

The crime trend in Chesham is currently stable, with a minor 1.8% increase in total offences compared to the previous year. This indicates that the town is successfully maintaining its high safety levels. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a peak in June 2025, where the crime rate reached 8.5 per 1,000 residents. The lowest activity was recorded in April 2025 at 4.1 per 1,000.

The peak in June is a common seasonal trend, often linked to increased public activity during warmer weather. However, the subsequent fluctuations throughout the year suggest that there is no sustained rise in criminal activity. For residents, the overall stable trend is a reassuring sign that Chesham remains a consistently safe environment, with local safety initiatives and community vigilance appearing to keep crime rates well below the national average.

How To Keep Safe in Chesham

The most prevalent crime type in Chesham is violence and sexual offences. While the overall crime rate in the town is low, personal safety should always be a priority in any urban environment.

To stay safe in Chesham, especially when using the town centre or the station at night, try to stick to well-lit, busy streets. Avoid walking alone through quiet residential areas or parks after dark. If you are out for the evening, stay with friends and have a planned way to get home.

For residents, anti-social behaviour and 'other theft' are also significant factors. When out shopping, keep your bags zipped and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. At home, ensuring your property has visible security measures like good lighting and a clear line of sight can deter anti-social behaviour. If you have a vehicle, always ensure it is locked and remove all valuables, as vehicle crime accounts for a higher percentage of incidents during the night. By staying alert and taking these simple steps, you can help maintain your personal safety in Chesham.

Crime Time Patterns in Chesham

Analysis of crime timing in Chesham reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The morning hours (6am - 12pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 49% of reported incidents. This peak coincides with the opening of shops and increased activity in the town centre. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft remains high at 53%, and burglary rises to 17%, suggesting that daytime is a common period for opportunistic property crime.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the profile shifts, with 'other' crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—rising to 47% of total incidents. This reflects the transition to the town's evening social scene. During the night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes a major concern, accounting for 40% of all reports. Burglary also reaches its highest relative frequency during this period at 19%. For residents, this data suggests that property and vehicle security is most critical overnight, while personal awareness in commercial areas is key during the daytime.

Nearby Area Comparison

In the regional context, Chesham is the primary urban centre for its immediate surroundings. Nearby areas like Lye Green, Ley Hill, Ashley Green, and Chartridge all report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000, reflecting their status as very small, quiet residential or rural hamlets. Chesham’s rate of 72.6 is naturally higher due to its larger population, commercial heart, and status as the end of the Metropolitan line. However, even with this urban activity, Chesham remains much safer than the UK average. For those considering the area, Chesham provides the convenience of town living with a safety profile that is far superior to most comparable urban settlements in the Home Counties.

Proactive Security in Chesham

Chesham has a property crime rate of 26.8 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average. However, the data shows that certain crimes, like vehicle theft and burglary, are persistent concerns, particularly during the evening and night. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or standard CCTV, are often reactive—they notify you after a window has been broken or provide footage of a thief who has already left the scene.

For Chesham homeowners who want to prevent crime rather than just document it, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered security system uses intelligent monitoring to detect threats at your property boundary. It can distinguish between a delivery person and a potential intruder in real-time. By triggering autonomous responses—such as activating deterrent lighting or audio alerts—scOS can stop a crime before it happens. In an area where opportunistic theft is the most common property risk, having an AI that never blinks and actively defends your home provides a level of security that traditional DIY systems simply cannot match. Moving to proactive protection is the best way to ensure your home remains safe.