Chelford Crime Rate

Chelford is a remarkably safe urban settlement, distinguished by a high safety score of 92/100. Its overall crime rate of 29.5 per 1,000 people is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, making it one of the most secure locations in the Cheshire East local authority. While the area has experienced a notable 136.8% increase in crime year-over-year, it is important to note that this rise is from a very low baseline. The property crime rate remains exceptionally low at 5.3 per 1,000 residents. This guide provides an in-depth look at the types of crime reported, temporal patterns, and how Chelford compares to its neighbours to help you understand the local safety environment.

In Chelford, the primary crime category is violence and sexual offences, which constitutes 60.0% of all recorded incidents (17.7 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 13.3%, followed by public order offences and burglary, which both account for 6.7% of the total. These categories represent the vast majority of local police activity.

Property-related crime in Chelford—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is low, with a rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly below the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. While burglary is one of the top three crime types locally, the overall property crime rate suggests that residents face a relatively low risk of theft or damage. However, the high percentage of violence and sexual offences indicates that personal safety and community conduct are the primary concerns for the local area. Homeowners should still be mindful of security, particularly as burglary accounts for a notable portion of the crime that does occur.

Chelford has experienced a 136.8% increase in total crime over the Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 period compared to the previous year. While this percentage increase is high, it is a result of the area's very low baseline of criminal activity. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked in February 2025 at 5.3 per 1,000, with other notable periods of activity in April, July, and September.

Toward the end of the year, the crime rate dropped significantly, with only 0.7 crimes per 1,000 recorded in October and November 2025. This downward trend at the end of the period suggests that the earlier increase may have been due to isolated incidents rather than a permanent change in the area's safety profile. Chelford continues to be one of the safest places to live in the region, despite these statistical fluctuations.

How To Keep Safe in Chelford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Chelford. Although the overall crime volume is very low, taking simple precautions can help maintain the area's high safety standards.

1. When walking through the village at night, stick to well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through unlit or isolated areas.
2. Consider using personal safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted friends or family when you are out alone.
3. Be mindful of your surroundings in public spaces and keep valuables like phones and wallets secure and out of sight to prevent opportunistic theft.
4. Ensure your home's exterior is well-lit with motion-sensor lighting, which is an effective way to deter unwanted activity around your property.
5. Stay connected with your neighbours and participate in local community watch schemes to stay informed about any suspicious activity in the area.

The timing of crime in Chelford shows that burglary is a major component of criminal activity throughout the day. It accounts for a significant portion of incidents across all time periods, peaking at 52% during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) and 48% during the night (12am - 6am). This suggests that property offences are the most consistent threat, occurring both when residents are likely away at work and while they are asleep.

Theft-related offences are more prominent during the daylight hours, making up 25% of morning and 24% of afternoon crimes. As the night progresses, vehicle crime becomes more significant, accounting for 25% of incidents between 12am and 6am. This temporal data highlights that while personal safety risk is low, property and vehicle security should be a focus for residents, particularly during the afternoon and overnight periods.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Chelford is part of a very high-safety cluster. Nearby areas such as Great Warford, Nether Alderley, Withington Green, and Knolls Green all reported zero crimes during the latest period, highlighting the rural and secure nature of this part of Cheshire. While Chelford's rate of 29.5 per 1,000 is slightly higher than these immediate hamlets, it remains vastly safer than larger regional towns. For those considering the area, Chelford offers a rare combination of community amenities and a level of statistical safety that is far superior to the UK average.

In an area like Chelford, where the property crime rate is just 5.3 per 1,000, it can be tempting to rely on standard home security or even no security at all. However, burglary still ranks among the top crime types in the village, accounting for nearly 7% of all incidents. Traditional security systems are reactive; they notify you after a window has been broken or a door forced, providing footage of a crime that has already occurred.

The scOS AI-powered operating system provides proactive protection by identifying threats at your property boundary. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect a potential intruder before they even reach your home. Features like autonomous lighting and audio responses destroy the element of surprise, which is the most effective way to deter a burglar. For Chelford residents, scOS offers a professional-grade alternative to traditional systems, ensuring that your home remains as safe as the statistics suggest it should be. Prevention is always better than reaction.