Cannock Chase Crime Rate

Crime in Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is a safe and well-regarded district with an overall crime rate of 82.3 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a strong safety score of 80/100. For its 104,088 residents, the district provides a more secure environment than the national average safety score of 78. However, it is important to note that the crime trend is currently moving in an upward direction, with a 7.8% increase year-over-year. This rise suggests that while the area remains safe by UK standards, local residents should stay informed and proactive about their security. The following analysis provides a detailed look at the crime breakdown and trends within Cannock Chase to help the community stay secure.

About Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is a local authority district in Staffordshire, known for its mix of urban centres and the expansive Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The district's crime statistics are influenced by its industrial heritage, busy market towns like Cannock and Rugeley, and its role as a key residential area with strong transport links, including proximity to the M6 motorway. These factors contribute to a crime profile that reflects both the challenges of urban living and the opportunistic risks associated with high-visitor natural areas.

The district's economy has transitioned from coal mining to a diverse base of manufacturing, retail, and distribution. Major retail developments like the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet attract large numbers of visitors, which can influence rates of shoplifting and vehicle-related crime. Additionally, the district's population of over 100,000 residents includes diverse communities with varying socio-economic backgrounds. Understanding these local characteristics—from the busy commercial hubs to the quiet rural outskirts—helps to contextualise the district's crime rate of 82.3 per 1,000 people.

Crime Breakdown in Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase's crime profile is heavily weighted toward violence and sexual offences, which account for 42.1% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.4% and shoplifting at 9.5%. These three categories represent nearly two-thirds of all criminal activity in the district, reflecting common challenges in both residential and commercial areas.

The overall property crime rate in Cannock Chase is 25.0 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.9. Within this category, shoplifting is the most frequent offence (9.5%), followed by vehicle crime and other theft, which both account for 5.4% of total crime. Burglary represents 2.6% of reports. For residents and homeowners, these statistics are relatively positive, suggesting a lower risk of property-related offences than the national average. However, the high prevalence of violence and anti-social behaviour highlights the importance of personal safety and community vigilance. The presence of shoplifting and vehicle crime as significant factors also indicates that opportunistic theft remains a consistent issue in the district's busier areas.

Crime Trends in Cannock Chase

The crime trend in Cannock Chase is currently on an upward trajectory, with a 7.8% increase year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2024 and 2025 shows that crime rates have fluctuated throughout the year, typically staying between 5.6 and 7.5 per 1,000 people.

The year began with a rate of 6.8 in November 2024, which remained relatively stable through the winter. However, the rate began to climb in the spring, hitting 7.3 in April 2025. Following a slight dip, the crime rate reached its peak for the 12-month period in September 2025, at 7.5 per 1,000 people. The year ended with a slight decrease to 6.6 in October. This general upward movement over the 12-month period suggests that the 7.8% annual increase is part of a consistent rise in local activity. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of remaining proactive about security.

Nearby Areas

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Cannock Chase sits in a relatively safe position. While nearby major urban areas like Walsall, Wolverhampton, and Stafford reported no crimes (0.0 per 1,000) in this specific dataset, historical data typically shows Cannock Chase as a safer alternative to these larger metropolitan centres. Similarly, compared to South Staffordshire, Lichfield, and East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase offers a comparable safety profile. For those looking for a balance between urban accessibility and a secure residential environment, the district remains a highly attractive option in the West Midlands region.

Proactive Protection for Cannock Chase Residents

In Cannock Chase, where the property crime rate is 25.0 per 1,000, homeowners should consider the benefits of moving beyond reactive security. Traditional CCTV systems are designed to record; they provide you with footage of a crime after it has already taken place. In a district with a mix of busy towns and quiet residential areas, the most effective strategy is to prevent the crime from occurring at all.

scOS offers a proactive, AI-powered security solution that identifies potential threats at the property line. By monitoring boundaries in real-time, scOS can distinguish between a regular visitor and a suspicious loiterer. It doesn't just watch; it uses autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers to warn off trespassers before they can attempt a break-in. For Cannock Chase residents, this means that opportunistic thieves are deterred within seconds. By focusing on boundary protection and real-time intervention, scOS provides a level of security that traditional recording devices cannot match, ensuring your home remains a safe haven.

How To Keep Safe in Cannock Chase

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Cannock Chase, accounting for 42.1% of all reports. While the district is generally safe, maintaining personal security and situational awareness is important for all residents.

To stay safe in Cannock Chase, consider the following regional advice:

1. When visiting busy retail areas like Cannock town centre or the designer outlet, keep your personal belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
2. Ensure your home is secure by using British Standard locks and consider installing a smart security system to monitor your property boundaries.
3. If you enjoy the outdoors in Cannock Chase AONB, try to stick to well-marked paths and ensure someone knows your expected return time.
4. Join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay updated on any suspicious activity in your part of the district and to support your neighbours.
5. Report any anti-social behaviour or suspicious vehicles to the local police to help them target their resources more effectively across the district.