Chorley Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Chorley’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 6.1% below the UK average of 6.6. This figure masks significant variation in crime types, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 45.6% of all incidents—15% above the UK average. The dominance of violent crime over property crime (342 vs 192 cases) suggests a pattern influenced by local factors such as the area’s urban density and seasonal dynamics. January, a post-holiday month with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, typically sees lower outdoor crime but may see spikes in domestic-related incidents. The sharp rise in anti-social behaviour (32% above UK average) and criminal damage (6% above) could reflect the impact of winter conditions on community interactions. Conversely, shoplifting fell 27% below the UK average, due to reduced retail activity or effective local policing strategies. These trends highlight the combination of seasonal rhythms and local demographics, with Chorley’s crime profile shaped by its mix of urban and suburban areas, as well as the presence of schools and public services that may influence both crime opportunities and community engagement.

January 2026 saw a 34.2% increase in shoplifting compared to December, with 51 incidents reported. This surge contrasts sharply with the 27% UK-wide average, suggesting a local factor such as retail closures or post-holiday stock adjustments. Bicycle theft, though rare, rose by 100% from zero to one incident, a spike that may reflect seasonal changes in cycling activity. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 50% to 13 incidents, potentially linked to reduced commuter traffic during school holidays. Anti-social behaviour remained 32% above the UK average at 145 cases, a persistent challenge that may tie to the area’s urban density. Robbery fell by 55.6% to four incidents, a decline consistent with post-holiday reductions in alcohol-fuelled incidents. These shifts illustrate how local conditions—such as retail cycles and seasonal mobility—can drive short-term crime fluctuations.

Chorley's crime rate in January 2026 fell by 7.9% compared to December 2025, dropping from 6.7 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical January patterns, where post-holiday retail activity wanes and shorter daylight hours reduce opportunities for outdoor crimes. On a daily basis, 24 crimes were reported each day in January, a figure that, while consistent with local rhythms, remains lower than the UK average when adjusted for population density. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 161 residents, a ratio that places Chorley slightly below the national average for similar-sized areas. This monthly exposure metric suggests that while crime remains a concern, its frequency is manageable within the local context. The drop in violent crime from December, combined with a 34% rise in shoplifting, highlights shifting patterns that may reflect seasonal retail dynamics rather than systemic trends.