Macclesfield Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Macclesfield

Macclesfield records an overall crime rate of 82.8 per 1,000 residents annually, placing it below the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This suggests a relatively safer environment compared to many other areas across the UK. The safety score for Macclesfield is 79 out of 100, which is higher than the UK average safety score of 78, further indicating a positive safety perception among residents. Over the past year, the crime trend in Macclesfield has remained stable, showing a minor decrease of 3.0% year-over-year. These key figures provide a comprehensive overview of the crime landscape, offering a foundation for understanding the specific dynamics within the area.

Crime Type Analysis in Macclesfield

In Macclesfield, Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category, accounting for 45.8% of all crimes, which translates to 37.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. Public order offences follow as the second most common at 10.0% (8.3 per 1,000), with Shoplifting being the third at 8.9% (7.4 per 1,000). These statistics highlight that while overall crime is lower than the national average, a substantial portion is attributed to these specific categories.

Property-related crime in Macclesfield has a combined rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably below the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses burglary (2.2 per 1,000), other theft (4.7 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.7 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (5.4 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.2 per 1,000), robbery (0.4 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000). The lower property crime rate is a positive indicator for residents and homeowners, suggesting a reduced risk of offences against their homes and possessions compared to the broader national context. Understanding these patterns can help residents focus their preventative efforts effectively.

Crime Trend Analysis in Macclesfield

Macclesfield has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a marginal decrease of 3.0% in overall crime year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals a consistent pattern. Rates in late 2024, were around 7.4 in October and November, dipping to 6.9 in December and reaching a low of 5.6 in January 2025. Following this, there was a gradual increase through the spring and summer months, peaking at 8.4 in August 2025, a common seasonal variation. The trend then saw a reduction to 6.6 in September 2025. This indicates a generally predictable crime environment without significant surges or drops. For residents, this stable trend suggests that the overall safety landscape has remained consistent, allowing for informed decisions regarding personal and property security.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Macclesfield

Crime patterns in Macclesfield exhibit noticeable variations throughout the day. During the Morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 47% of crimes, followed by vehicle crime at 14% and burglary at 9%. This aligns with typical working hours when commercial areas become active and residential properties may be unoccupied. The Afternoon (12pm-6pm) period continues to see high rates of theft at 51%, alongside a rise in burglary to 16%, suggesting continued opportunistic crime during peak shopping and activity hours.

As the day transitions into the Evening (6pm-12am), there's a shift in crime dynamics. 'Other' crimes, potentially encompassing public order and anti-social behaviour, become dominant at 50% of incidents. Theft reduces to 21%, while vehicle crime and burglary remain significant at 15% and 14% respectively. This pattern often corresponds with increased social activity and nightlife. During the Night (12am-6am), vehicle crime peaks at 38%, followed by 'Other' crimes at 34% and burglary at 17%. Theft drops further to 11%. These hours suggest heightened vulnerability for vehicles and unattended properties under the cover of darkness.

Regional Crime Comparison

Macclesfield's crime profile can be understood within the context of its surrounding areas. With an overall crime rate of 82.8 per 1,000 residents, Macclesfield generally sits at a moderate level compared to its immediate neighbours. Areas such as Sutton Lane Ends, Prestbury (Cheshire East), and Langley (Cheshire East) typically report lower crime rates, often due to their more residential or rural nature. Bollington, another nearby built-up area, shows a comparable, slightly lower crime rate, indicating a similar safety landscape within these smaller communities. Macclesfield, as a larger market town, experiences a level of activity and population density that influences its crime statistics, placing it between very rural areas and larger urban centres in terms of crime prevalence. This comparison helps residents gauge local safety in a regional context.

Home Security and Protection

With Macclesfield's property crime rate at 23.2 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average, it remains important for homeowners to consider robust security measures. Simply recording a crime after it happens, as many traditional CCTV systems do, is a reactive approach. For effective protection, the focus should be on preventing the crime in the first place.

Modern AI-powered home security operating systems, such as scOS, offer a proactive defence. These systems are designed to detect potential threats at your property's perimeter, intervening before an intrusion can occur. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, scOS ensures comprehensive coverage, while advanced pattern learning distinguishes between routine activities and genuine threats, minimising false alarms. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can help identify suspicious vehicles. This professional-grade deterrence is engineered to destroy the element of surprise for burglars, with autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers to make them move on within 60 seconds. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for burglars – they move on, rather than attempting to enter your property. Investing in such proactive security provides a significantly enhanced level of protection against property crime compared to purely reactive solutions.