Chorley Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Chorley recorded 949 crimes in May 2025, equating to 7.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This rate places the district 2.5% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, a narrow but consistent margin. The most prevalent crime type was anti-social behaviour, accounting for 35.9% of all reported incidents (341 cases), followed by violence and sexual offences (34.8%, 330 cases) and criminal damage and arson (6.6%, 63 cases). These figures align with seasonal patterns, as May's longer evenings and bank holidays likely contributed to increased socialising and associated anti-social behaviour. The district's crime profile also shows stark contrasts with UK averages: anti-social behaviour was 97% higher than the national rate, while shoplifting and vehicle crime were significantly lower. The lower rates of vehicle crime (2.6 per 1,000) and shoplifting (0.3 per 1,000) may reflect Chorley's suburban character, where fewer commercial zones reduce opportunities for such offences. The dominance of violent and anti-social crimes over property crimes suggests a community profile where interpersonal conflicts and public order issues are more prominent than theft or burglary. These trends may be influenced by Chorley's mix of urban and rural areas, where town centres host higher concentrations of social activity, while surrounding areas benefit from lower population density and fewer commercial hubs.

May 2025 saw a 76.5% increase in 'other crime' compared to April, with 30 incidents reported. This category, which includes non-specific offences, rose sharply from 17 cases. Public order offences also surged by 54.8%, reaching 48 incidents, likely linked to the extended evenings and bank holidays typical of the month. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 34.2%, with 25 reported cases—down from 38 in April. This decline may reflect reduced car theft during warmer weather or improved parking security measures. Anti-social behaviour remained 97% above the UK average, with 341 incidents, while shoplifting fell by 31.9% to 32 cases, a trend consistent with lower foot traffic during May's quieter retail period. These shifts highlight the combination of seasonal factors and local crime patterns, with some categories responding directly to environmental changes.

Chorley's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 7.9 per 1,000 residents, a 16.1% increase from April's 6.8 per 1,000. This translates to roughly 31 crimes reported each day in the district, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the daily rhythm of crime in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 127 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a population of 120,839. While the overall rate remains 2.5% below the UK average, the shift in crime mix between April and May reveals local patterns. The rise in anti-social behaviour and public order offences, combined with the drop in vehicle crime, suggests a seasonal influence tied to longer evenings and increased outdoor activity. This contrast with the UK-wide trends highlights Chorley's unique dynamics, where community-focused policing and local events may play a role in shaping crime profiles.