Chorley Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Chorley's overall crime rate in January 2026 was 6.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 8.8% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure marks a consistent performance relative to national trends, though local variations in crime types highlight distinct patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 45.6% of all crimes, with a rate of 2.8 per 1,000 — 12% above the UK average. This disparity may reflect the area's social dynamics, including the presence of community hubs and public spaces that could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Anti-social behaviour followed at 19.3% of total crimes, with a rate of 1.2 per 1,000 — 29% above the UK average, linked to the district's mix of urban and suburban environments. Criminal damage and arson, though smaller in volume, also exceeded the UK average by 4%. Seasonal factors, such as shorter days and reduced retail activity post-holiday, may explain the lower overall crime rate compared to the UK, as outdoor crimes typical of busier periods are less frequent. The data also reveals a stark contrast in property crime: shoplifting remains 30% below the UK average, while vehicle crime is 73% below, due to effective local policing strategies or the absence of high-traffic parking areas. These findings illustrate how Chorley's crime profile, while generally safer than the UK average, has specific areas requiring targeted attention.

January 2026 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 0 to 1 incident, a notable shift in crime mix. Shoplifting also rose by 34.2%, from 38 to 51 incidents, despite remaining 30% below the UK average. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 50%, from 26 to 13, and robbery fell by 55.6%, from 9 to 4. These changes reflect seasonal and local dynamics, with post-holiday periods potentially reducing retail crime while leaving vulnerabilities in other areas. The 52.6% increase in 'other crime' (from 19 to 29) suggests a need for further analysis of emerging trends. For residents, the 73% below UK average for vehicle crime offers a tangible example of how specific categories can diverge from national patterns.

Chorley's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.2 per 1,000 residents, a 7.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical post-holiday patterns, where reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours may contribute to lower outdoor crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 161 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for the local population. On a daily basis, Chorley recorded an average of 24 crimes per day, a rate that reflects the area's crime profile but remains below the UK average when scaled to the local population. The population context further highlights that Chorley's crime rate, while slightly below the UK average, is influenced by local factors such as community policing efforts and seasonal shifts in activity patterns.