Chorley Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2024, Chorley recorded 882 crimes across a population of 120,839 residents, equating to a crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 people—13.1% below the UK average of 8.4. This rate underscores a relatively safe environment compared to national benchmarks. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.1% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 28.0%. These figures align with the seasonal context of May, marked by bank holidays and extended daylight hours, which may contribute to increased socialising and associated risks. The localised nature of Chorley—characterised by a mix of urban and rural areas—likely influences crime trends, with anti-social behaviour and violent offences concentrated in higher-density zones. Meanwhile, the decline in vehicle crime could reflect improved policing in parking areas or increased community engagement. The seasonal context of May, with its extended evenings and public events, may partly explain the rise in burglary, as outdoor activity increases during the warmer weather. However, the overall rate remains stable, suggesting that while specific categories fluctuate, the area as a whole maintains a lower crime profile than the national average. This balance between localised spikes and broader safety metrics highlights the need for targeted strategies to address rising issues like anti-social behaviour, which remain significantly above UK averages.

May 2024 saw several notable shifts in Chorley’s crime profile. Burglary increased by 67.9%, rising from 28 to 47 incidents, a jump that may reflect heightened activity during longer evenings. Concurrently, possession of weapons surged by 75%, climbing from 4 to 7 cases, a trend that could signal localized spikes in related offences. Theft from the person also doubled, with one incident reported in April rising to two in May, a sharp increase that may indicate heightened vulnerability in public spaces. On the other hand, robbery fell by 75%, dropping from 8 to 2 cases, linked to seasonal changes in social activity. Anti-social behaviour remained 38% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge for local authorities. Meanwhile, vehicle crime decreased by 13.3%, suggesting that recent initiatives or environmental factors may have contributed to this decline. For residents, the daily crime rate of 28 incidents provides a tangible measure of risk, though it remains lower than the UK average. The contrast between rising burglary rates and falling vehicle crime underscores the complexity of local crime patterns, with different categories responding to distinct pressures. The increase in anti-social behaviour—now 28.0% of all crimes—suggests that public order remains a significant concern, requiring targeted interventions.

Chorley’s crime rate in May 2024 rose by 10.6% compared to April, increasing from 6.6 to 7.3 per 1,000 residents. This shift, while modest, reflects a monthly pattern of fluctuation common in areas with seasonal social dynamics. On a daily basis, Chorley recorded approximately 28 crimes per day in May, a figure that provides context for local residents assessing risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a metric that highlights the frequency of incidents relative to the population. When scaled to the area’s total population of 120,839, this rate suggests that while Chorley remains below the UK average, the increase from the previous month may warrant closer attention to emerging trends, particularly in categories like burglary and anti-social behaviour, which show notable deviations from national benchmarks. The localised nature of these shifts—such as the rise in possession of weapons—suggests that specific pockets of the area may be experiencing heightened activity, tied to factors like increased socialising during longer evenings. However, the overall rate still places Chorley in a safer position compared to the UK average, with the population size helping to buffer the impact of individual incidents.