Chorley Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Chorley’s crime rate in March 2024 stood at 7.5 per 1,000, 2.6% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure, however, masks significant shifts in crime types, with violent offences and anti-social behaviour dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.5% of all crimes, the highest proportion since early 2023, while anti-social behaviour (28.6%) and criminal damage (7.3%) formed the next two largest categories. The seasonal transition to spring, with longer evenings and clock changes, may have contributed to these trends, as increased foot traffic in public spaces could heighten opportunities for disorderly conduct. Despite the overall rate remaining below the UK average, the sharp rise in burglary (+100%) and anti-social behaviour (90% above UK average) signals areas requiring targeted attention. The dominance of property and violent crimes over theft from the person suggests a community profile where residential and commercial areas are primary crime hotspots. This pattern aligns with Chorley’s character as a mixed urban-rural district, where commuter routes, retail hubs, and social gatherings may intersect to create conditions conducive to certain offences. The relatively low rates of shoplifting (51% below UK average) and vehicle crime (36% below) could indicate effective local policing or community initiatives in those areas, though the surge in burglary and anti-social behaviour warrants further scrutiny.

March 2024 saw a 100% surge in burglary, with 44 incidents reported — double the previous month’s total. This increase, coupled with a 100% rise in bicycle theft, suggests heightened vulnerability in residential areas or poorly lit zones. Anti-social behaviour, contributing 28.6% of all crimes, remained 90% above the UK average (1.2 per 1,000), a figure that may reflect the area’s community dynamics during the transition to spring. Vehicle crime rose 42.9% to 30 incidents, potentially linked to increased foot traffic in retail areas. Shoplifting fell 51% below the UK average, due to stricter retail security measures. Residents should be particularly aware of rising burglary rates, as the category’s 25% increase over the UK average (0.3 per 1,000) indicates a localised risk. The 29 daily crimes reported — including 332 violent offences — highlight the need for community vigilance during extended evenings.

Chorley's crime rate in March 2024 rose 20.7% compared to February's 6.2 per 1,000, reaching 7.5 per 1,000 — the highest monthly rate since at least early 2023. Daily crime activity averaged 29 incidents per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 133 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while below the UK average, highlights the need for vigilance in high-traffic areas. The population context shows that Chorley’s 120,839 residents face a crime environment where property and violent crimes dominate, with violent offences accounting for 36.5% of all reported incidents. The increase in burglary (+100%) and anti-social behaviour (28.6% of total crimes) suggests localized pressures. below the UK average. This contrast with national trends underscores Chorley’s unique demographic and geographic profile, where retail and community hubs may amplify certain crime patterns.