Chorley Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Chorley's overall crime rate in February 2024 stood at 6.2 crimes per 1,000 residents, marking a 12.7% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This performance highlights a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels in the area, particularly in property-related offences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40.5% of all recorded crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (26.5%) and criminal damage and arson (7.0%). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may likely contribute to the subdued levels of outdoor crime, though this does not fully explain the significant disparity in anti-social behaviour rates. Chorley's violent crime rate aligns precisely with the UK average at 2.5 per 1,000, suggesting that local factors such as community engagement initiatives or policing strategies may be effectively mitigating more severe incidents. The data also shows that Chorley's property crime rate (169 total) is significantly below the UK average, with shoplifting and vehicle crime both reporting 63% and 55% reductions respectively. This pattern may reflect the area's relatively stable residential character, where high street retail activity is concentrated and community-focused policing can deter opportunistic theft. However, the persistent 62% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average raises questions about local social dynamics, linked to seasonal transitions or unmet community needs during colder months. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address specific crime types while maintaining the progress seen in broader crime reduction.

February 2024 saw notable reductions in several crime categories, with robbery decreasing by 57.1% (from 7 to 3 incidents) and vehicle crime falling by 36.4% (from 33 to 21). These declines may partly explain Chorley's overall 12.7% improvement over the UK average, though the 62% increase in anti-social behaviour (28 to 38 incidents) highlights a concerning shift in crime patterns. The most significant upward trend was the 100% rise in possession of weapons, jumping from 3 to 6 reports—a figure that, while still low, warrants attention given its potential link to local tensions or unmet policing needs. Conversely, violent crime remained stable at 2.5 per 1,000, matching the UK average exactly. For residents, the 55% drop in vehicle crime offers a tangible benefit, as this category often impacts daily commutes and parking areas. The data also reveals that Chorley's shoplifting rate (0.2 per 1,000) is 63% below the UK average, suggesting that retail-focused policing or community partnerships may be effectively deterring such incidents. However, the 43% increase in 'other crime' (from 16 to 22 reports) indicates a need for further analysis to identify emerging trends that could be addressed through targeted prevention strategies.

Chorley's crime rate in February 2024 fell by 5.5% compared to the previous month's rate of 6.6 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trajectory in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 26 crimes per day in February—a figure that, while representing a localised snapshot, does not directly compare to UK-wide daily averages. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime occurred for roughly every 160 residents over the course of the month, illustrating a relatively low level of personal risk for Chorley's population of 120,839. This monthly aggregate suggests that while crime remains a concern, it is distributed across the population in a manner that is significantly more contained than the UK average. The 12.7% gap between Chorley's rate and the UK average is particularly notable when considering the 62% increase in anti-social behaviour, which implies that localised factors—such as community cohesion or specific neighbourhood dynamics—are playing a significant role in shaping the area's crime profile. Residents may find the 55% reduction in vehicle crime particularly reassuring, as this category often affects daily life in commuter areas. However, the 43% increase in 'other crime' reports underscores the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure that emerging trends do not undermine the progress made in reducing more traditional forms of criminal activity.