Chatteris Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Chatteris in July 2023 reveals a marked dominance of violent offences over property crimes, a dynamic that contrasts with the typical pattern observed in rural and semi-rural areas where property-related incidents often dominate. With a crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents—60.2% below the UK average—the area’s data highlights a unique interplay between local demographics and crime trends. Violent crimes accounted for 44.2% of all incidents, significantly outpacing property crimes, which made up 25.7% of the total (11 out of 43 crimes). This shift may be influenced by the area’s character: a built-up district within Fenland, characterised by a mix of agricultural land, small businesses, and limited nightlife. Such a setting may reduce opportunities for property crime but could also create conditions where violent incidents—often concentrated in the town centre or during events—become more prevalent. Seasonal factors also play a role, as July is a peak month for tourism and festivals in the region, increasing interactions in public spaces and contributing to the rise in shoplifting and vehicle crime. The area’s relatively low levels of public order offences and drugs-related incidents further underscore its distinct profile compared to larger urban centres, where such categories tend to dominate. While the overall crime rate remains low, the proportion of violent offences raises questions about the underlying factors driving these incidents, including the presence of specific high-risk locations or the influence of transient populations during summer months. The data also highlights the importance of context: for example, the 100% increase in shoplifting and vehicle crime may be linked to the presence of retail outlets and the increased movement of people during the summer season, even if these remain well below UK averages for their respective categories.

July 2023 saw a dramatic 100% rise in shoplifting and vehicle crime, both of which had previously reported zero incidents in the prior month. This spike in property-related offences, though remaining significantly below the UK average, signals a notable shift in local crime patterns. Violent crimes accounted for 44.2% of all reported incidents, outpacing property crimes for the first time in recent months—a reversal of the typical balance seen in smaller towns where property crime often dominates. The decline in public order offences by 80% (from 5 to 1) and drugs-related incidents by 50% (from 4 to 2) suggests a possible reduction in alcohol-fuelled incidents during the summer, though this may be influenced by seasonal factors such as fewer night-time activities in a rural setting. Residents may find the daily crime rate of one incident per day useful for contextualising local safety, though this remains well below national benchmarks. The area’s violent crime rate of 1.5 per 1,000—46% below the UK average—further illustrates the complexity of local crime dynamics.

Chatteris' crime rate in July 2023 dropped to 3.3 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a 25.9% decrease from the prior month’s rate of 4.5 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns common in semi-rural areas, where crime typically wanes during summer due to reduced foot traffic in non-tourist zones and fewer opportunities for opportunistic theft. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day over July, a figure that, while low, may still raise concerns for residents. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 301 residents underscores Chatteris’ relatively low risk profile compared to the UK average. The UK average sees one crime for every 122 residents annually, highlighting a stark contrast. This disparity is partly explained by Chatteris’ character: a mix of agricultural land, small businesses, and limited nightlife likely contributes to lower property crime rates but may also create conditions where violent offences—such as those concentrated in the town centre or during events—occur more frequently. The local context, including the absence of a major urban hub or tourist infrastructure, further shapes these dynamics.