Chorley Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Chorley’s December 2025 crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents places it 4.3% below the UK average, a figure that masks a combination of violent and property crime. Violent crimes—primarily violence and sexual offences—dominated the breakdown, accounting for 41.1% of all incidents, a stark contrast to property crimes, which made up 25.3% of the total. This imbalance may be partly explained by the seasonal context of December, a month marked by Christmas shopping, party season, and extended periods of darkness, which can increase opportunities for confrontational or opportunistic crimes. The top two crime categories, violence and anti-social behaviour, highlight a tension between individual safety and community dynamics, with anti-social behaviour reported at 23.8% of all incidents—72% above the UK average. This suggests that localised factors, such as the density of public spaces or the timing of festive events, may be exacerbating social friction. Meanwhile, property crimes like shoplifting and vehicle crime were significantly lower than the UK average, with shoplifting at 47% below and vehicle crime at 46% below. This could reflect the presence of security measures in retail and transport hubs, or a reduction in opportunities for such crimes during the holiday season when some premises are closed. However, the rise in violent crime—particularly the sharp increase in possession of weapons—raises questions about the underlying causes, which may include increased alcohol consumption during the festive period or the dispersal of transient populations in areas with limited policing. The data also reveals a curious anomaly in theft from the person, which fell by 50% compared to November, due to heightened awareness among shoppers or the presence of surveillance in commercial districts. These patterns, while consistent with broader UK trends in some areas, indicate that Chorley’s crime profile is shaped by unique local conditions that require targeted analysis.

December 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with possession of weapons increasing by 125% and robbery rising by 80% compared to November. These spikes, though small in absolute numbers, may reflect heightened tensions during the festive season or targeted activity in specific areas. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 50%, potentially linked to reduced foot traffic in retail zones or increased vigilance during holiday shopping. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted sharply, with violent crimes accounting for 41.1% of all incidents—far exceeding property crimes at 206. This imbalance contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences are 9% below the national rate. Anti-social behaviour, however, was 72% above the UK average, suggesting localised pressures in community spaces. For residents, the 38% drop in vehicle crime—a 33.3% decrease—may indicate improved security measures or reduced opportunities for such crimes in car parks and residential areas.

Chorley’s December 2025 crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 3.7% increase from November’s 6.5 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 26 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with previous months, underscores the persistent nature of local crime. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 148 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Chorley in line with broader UK patterns but highlights the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while Chorley’s rate remains below the UK average, the absolute number of crimes—815—still represents a significant burden for residents, particularly in areas where violent crime and anti-social behaviour dominate the breakdown. This context suggests that localised factors, such as seasonal dynamics or community-specific vulnerabilities, may be amplifying certain types of crime during the festive period.