Chorley Crime Rate

Chorley, a local authority district in Lancashire, England, recorded a crime rate of 81.8 per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure is notably 10.3% below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national average. While the district has experienced fluctuations in crime levels, overall, the trend has remained stable, decreasing by a minimal 0.3% year-on-year. Understanding the specifics of crime types and trends within Chorley is key to assessing the area's safety profile.

Chorley is a diverse local authority district, encompassing a mix of urban areas, smaller towns, and rural villages. The population of approximately 120,839 contributes to the area's social and economic landscape. Factors such as population density, the presence of transport links, and the mix of residential and commercial properties can influence crime rates. The area's demographics, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, may also play a role in shaping crime patterns. Understanding these underlying characteristics is essential for a comprehensive assessment of Chorley's crime statistics.

The most prevalent crime types in Chorley are violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.9% of all recorded crimes (3646 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (30.5%, 3012 incidents), and criminal damage and arson (6.8%, 671 incidents). Property crime in Chorley stands at 18.7 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average. Other theft represents a significant portion of property crime, with 498 incidents recorded. The distribution of crimes underscores the importance of addressing violence and anti-social behaviour, alongside traditional property crime prevention measures. Understanding these breakdowns helps residents and stakeholders to better focus preventative efforts.

Crime rates in Chorley have remained stable, decreasing by a marginal 0.3% year-on-year between February 2025 and January 2026. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period, with May 2025 experiencing the highest crime rate at 7.9 per 1,000 residents, and February 2025 recording the lowest at 5.7 per 1,000. While some crime categories have seen year-on-year changes—robbery increased by 46.3%, while burglary decreased by 41.5%—the overall trend indicates a consistent level of criminal activity within the district.

Chorley's crime rate of 81.8 per 1,000 is lower than several neighbouring local authorities. South Ribble (83.3 per 1,000) and West Lancashire (69.5 per 1,000) have slightly higher rates, while Bolton boasts a significantly lower rate of just 0.2 per 1,000. However, Hyndburn has a considerably higher rate of 132.5 per 1,000, highlighting the varying levels of safety across Lancashire.

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How To Keep Safe in Chorley

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern; engaging with local community initiatives and reporting incidents can help deter offenders. Secure your property to prevent criminal damage and arson, and consider installing security lighting or alarms. Finally, be aware of your belongings to avoid becoming a victim of theft.