Cheshire East Crime Rate

Cheshire East is a safe and well-regarded local authority area with a crime rate of 64.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This contributes to a high safety score of 84/100, placing the region well above the national benchmark for security. Furthermore, crime is on a downward trend, with a 5.1% decrease in total offences year-over-year. The property crime rate is also notably low at 17.2 per 1,000, compared to the national average of 32.3. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, reflects a secure environment for residents and businesses alike. The following analysis provides a comprehensive breakdown of crime types and trends across the region to help residents understand their local safety context.

About Cheshire East

Cheshire East is a diverse local authority area that combines affluent market towns, industrial hubs, and vast rural landscapes. It encompasses key settlements such as Crewe, Macclesfield, and Wilmslow, each contributing uniquely to the region's crime profile. The area is home to major employers in the pharmaceutical, automotive, and financial sectors, which drives a significant daily commute and a transient workforce. Transport hubs, particularly Crewe railway station, act as major gateways for the North West, influencing local activity levels.

Demographically, Cheshire East has a mix of high-density urban centres and low-density rural villages. The economic prosperity of areas like Wilmslow and Alderley Edge can sometimes attract opportunistic property crime, while the larger towns face urban challenges such as public order and anti-social behaviour. The region's extensive road network, including the M6 corridor, provides high connectivity but also facilitates movement for non-local offenders. These factors—economic diversity, transport infrastructure, and a blend of urban and rural settings—all play a role in shaping the area's overall crime rate and safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Cheshire East

Cheshire East maintains a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average, with an overall property crime rate of 17.2 per 1,000 residents. The most frequent category of crime is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 45.7% of all reports. Public order offences are the second most common at 10.8%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 8.7%.

Property-related crime in the region is a key consideration for homeowners. This category, which includes burglary, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a total rate of 17.2 per 1,000 people. Specifically, shoplifting makes up 6.7% of total crime, while 'other theft' accounts for 6.0%. Burglary and vehicle crime are relatively low, representing 3.6% and 2.6% of reports respectively. For residents, these statistics suggest a generally safe environment where property crime is well below the UK average of 32.3, though opportunistic theft and shoplifting remain the primary property concerns in commercial and residential areas.

Crime Trends in Cheshire East

Cheshire East has seen a positive downward trend in crime, with a 5.1% decrease in total offences over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively stable pattern of activity. The year began with crime rates between 4.4 and 5.1 per 1,000 people, with a slight increase observed during the spring and summer months.

The peak occurred in June and August, with both months recording a rate of 6.0 per 1,000 people. Following this, activity dipped again in the autumn, with September and November recording 5.0. This stability suggests that crime levels are well-managed across the region. The overall year-over-year reduction reinforces Cheshire East's reputation as an increasingly safe area, providing residents with confidence that the local safety environment is improving.

Cheshire East sits in a favourable position within the North West. When compared to nearby urban centres like Stoke-on-Trent and Stockport, or neighbouring authorities like Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, and Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East consistently ranks as one of the safer regions. It also compares well to Trafford in Greater Manchester. For those considering the region, Cheshire East offers a high level of security that is superior to many of its more industrialised or urbanised neighbours. This makes it an attractive location for families and professionals seeking a safe environment while remaining well-connected to the major economic hubs of the North West and Midlands.

With a property crime rate of 17.2 per 1,000 and a generally high standard of living, residents in Cheshire East often invest in home security. However, traditional systems like CCTV or basic alarms are reactive; they record footage or sound an alert only after a crime has been committed. In an area where opportunistic theft and shoplifting are the most common property crimes, prevention is far more valuable than a recording.

scOS offers a proactive solution that prevents crime before it happens. Its AI-powered multi-camera intelligence monitors your property boundary 24/7, identifying threats as they approach. For homeowners in Cheshire East, the system's ability to verify vehicles and trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lighting or audible warnings—can stop an intruder before they reach your front door or garage. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention ensures that your home is protected by an intelligent system that acts in real-time, maintaining the high standard of safety the region is known for.

How To Keep Safe in Cheshire East

The most common crime in Cheshire East is violence and sexual offences, but for the wider community, public order and anti-social behaviour are the main concerns. To stay safe and secure your home across the region, consider these broader safety tips:

1. Secure your home and outbuildings: While burglary is low, always ensure that doors, windows, and sheds are locked with high-quality hardware. This is especially important in more rural parts of the authority.
2. Be mindful in urban centres: When visiting larger towns like Crewe or Macclesfield, stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in the evening when public order and ASB incidents are more likely to occur.
3. Vehicle security: Always park in well-lit areas and never leave valuables on display. Even in safe areas, opportunistic vehicle crime can occur, so using steering locks or driveway posts can be a good deterrent.
4. Support local safety initiatives: Engaging with your local Neighbourhood Watch or police community teams is an excellent way to stay informed about trends in your specific part of Cheshire East and contribute to a safer community.