Rural Cannock Chase Crime Rate

Rural Cannock Chase is a unique area combining residential communities with high-activity recreational and commercial zones, resulting in a safety score of 71/100. The overall crime rate is 125.2 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK national average of 93.1. This elevated rate is often seen in areas with high transient populations and significant visitor footfall. Recent data indicates that crime has increased by 16.4% year-over-year, suggesting a need for increased awareness. The property crime rate stands at 38.1 per 1,000, which is also above the UK average of 32.9. While the area remains a popular place to live and visit, these statistics highlight the importance of proactive security measures for both residents and local businesses.

In Rural Cannock Chase, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 37.2% of all incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also significant at 19.9%, followed by shoplifting at 8.7%. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 38.1 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Shoplifting and vehicle crime are notable contributors to this figure, suggesting that both commercial areas and parked vehicles are frequent targets. For residents, while the burglary rate is relatively low at 3.2 per 1,000, the overall property crime volume indicates that robust home and vehicle security is essential for local protection.

The crime trend in Rural Cannock Chase is currently increasing, with a 16.4% rise in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data from late 2024 to late 2025 shows a generally upward trajectory, with significant peaks in the summer and autumn months. Rates reached 13.6 per 1,000 in June and 12.1 in July and October 2025. While there were lower points, such as 5.8 in February, the overall trend has been one of growth in reported incidents. For residents and business owners, this increasing trend underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and investing in effective security measures to counter the rising local crime figures.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Cannock Chase

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural Cannock Chase, often occurring in busy public or commercial areas. Staying vigilant is key to personal safety.

1. Be Aware in Public Spaces: Given the high visitor footfall, always stay alert to your surroundings and keep your personal belongings secure to avoid opportunistic theft.
2. Secure Your Vehicle: Vehicle crime is a significant factor, especially at night. Always ensure your car is locked, use a steering lock if possible, and never leave valuables on display.
3. Plan Your Travel: If you are out in the evening, stick to well-lit main routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated wooded areas or unlit paths.
4. Business Security: For local retailers, shoplifting is a notable issue. Visible security measures and staff training on identifying suspicious behaviour are essential for reducing risk.
5. Report ASB Promptly: Anti-social behaviour is common in public areas. Reporting incidents to the local authorities helps them target patrols and maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Crime in Rural Cannock Chase follows a distinct temporal pattern linked to its commercial and recreational activity. Daytime hours see a high volume of theft and shoplifting, with 43% of such crimes in the morning and 48% in the afternoon. This coincides with peak shopping and visitor times. As the evening sets in, reports of anti-social behaviour and public order offences tend to increase. The night-time period (12am to 6am) is particularly critical for vehicle owners; 43% of all vehicle-related crime occurs during these hours. Additionally, 15% of burglaries take place overnight. This suggests that while daytime focus should be on personal and retail security, vehicle and home owners must ensure robust security measures are active overnight to protect against targeted property crime.

Rural Cannock Chase serves as a significant regional hub, and its crime rate of 125.2 per 1,000 reflects the high volume of activity in the area compared to more isolated rural settlements. While direct comparisons to smaller villages may show a disparity, it is important to view Rural Cannock Chase in the context of other high-activity zones within the Cannock Chase local authority. Its status as a destination for recreation and shopping naturally leads to higher reported crime figures than purely residential areas, making it a busier but more amenity-rich environment.

With a property crime rate of 38.1 per 1,000 residents, Rural Cannock Chase presents a security challenge that requires more than just reactive measures. Standard CCTV systems often only provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which does little to prevent loss or damage. For homeowners and businesses in this area, scOS offers a proactive AI-driven alternative. scOS monitors your property boundary in real-time, using multi-camera intelligence to identify potential threats before they escalate into a break-in. It can verify vehicles through DVLA integration and recognise familiar faces, ensuring it only alerts you to genuine concerns. By triggering autonomous responses like lights and audio warnings, scOS destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. In an area where vehicle crime and shoplifting are significant factors, this proactive deterrence is the most effective way to safeguard your property and ensure your home remains a secure sanctuary.