Chorley Crime Rate

Chorley’s crime profile reveals a surprising contrast: while its overall rate is 10.7% below the UK average, anti-social behaviour is 61% higher than the national benchmark. With a safety score of 81/100, Chorley is generally secure, but the elevated rate of anti-social behaviour—23.7 per 1,000—suggests a need for targeted community strategies. Robbery has surged by 45.2% YoY, marking a notable shift in local crime dynamics.

Chorley is a diverse Local Authority District in Lancashire, blending urban and rural landscapes. Its urban centres, such as the town of Chorley itself, host a mix of retail, education, and community hubs, which may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and public order issues. In contrast, rural areas like Withnell and Whittle-le-Woods exhibit significantly lower crime rates, likely due to smaller populations, stronger community ties, and fewer opportunities for opportunistic crimes. The district’s proximity to major transport routes, including the M65 motorway, may explain elevated vehicle crime rates, though these remain below the UK average. Chorley’s safety score of 81/100 reflects its generally low crime profile, but anti-social behaviour remains a notable concern, linked to the presence of public spaces and community events that attract transient groups.

The most striking finding in Chorley’s crime data is the 61% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average (23.7 vs 14.7 per 1,000). This may stem from the town’s dense urban areas, where public spaces and social events could foster repeated disturbances. Violence and sexual offences, while below the UK average, rose by 6% YoY, linked to seasonal factors like increased social activity during warmer months. Conversely, property crimes such as burglary (1.9 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (2.6 per 1,000) are significantly below the UK average, reflecting the area’s lower population density and effective community policing. Robbery surged by 45.2% YoY, a sharp increase that may be tied to specific incidents or changes in criminal activity patterns during the data period.

Chorley’s crime rate remained stable (-0.2% YoY) between March 2025 and February 2026, with a peak in May 2025 (7.9 per 1,000/month) and a trough in February 2026 (5.2 per 1,000/month). This seasonal pattern likely reflects increased social activity during warmer months and reduced outdoor activity in winter. Robbery, however, rose sharply by 45.2% YoY, possibly linked to specific incidents or changes in criminal behaviour during the period. Other crimes, such as burglary (-40.6% YoY) and vehicle crime (-14.1% YoY), declined, suggesting effective local interventions or reduced opportunities for such crimes.

Compared to nearby areas, Chorley’s crime rate of 81.3 per 1,000 is 43% lower than Blackburn with Darwen’s 116.6 per 1,000 but 19% higher than West Lancashire’s 68.4 per 1,000. Bolton, with a rate of 0.2 per 1,000, is vastly safer, while Hyndburn (132.8 per 1,000) has a 63% higher crime rate. These differences likely reflect variations in urban density, economic activity, and policing resources across the region.

Anti-social behaviour, which is 61% above the UK average in Chorley, can be mitigated through proactive security measures, scOS’s AI-powered boundary monitoring distinguishes between routine activity and concerning behaviour, triggering automated lights and speakers to deter disturbances without requiring manual intervention. This is particularly relevant in areas with higher anti-social behaviour rates, such as Chorley’s urban centres. The system also stores two weeks of cloud footage, providing valuable evidence for local authorities, scOS’s remote configuration ensures it adapts to Chorley’s specific challenges, offering a tailored solution to reduce the cumulative impact of low-level disturbances on residents’ quality of life.

How To Keep Safe in Chorley

Residents in Chorley should focus on reducing exposure to anti-social behaviour, which is 61% above the UK average. In urban areas, avoid leaving valuables in sight of public spaces where anti-social activity is common. Secure communal bins and ensure outdoor lighting is functional to deter gatherings. For property crime prevention, consider installing motion-sensor lights near entrances to deter opportunistic theft. Given the 45.2% YoY increase in robbery, avoid carrying large sums of cash in high-traffic areas like Chorley town centre during evenings. Community engagement, such as reporting disturbances to local authorities, can also help maintain the area’s overall safety profile.