Chatham Crime Rate

Chatham, a major urban centre within Medway, has an overall crime rate of 123.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.7, reflecting its status as a densely populated commercial and transport hub. Despite this high rate, Chatham maintains a safety score of 71/100, which, while below the UK average of 79, indicates a level of resilience for such a busy area. The crime trend is currently stable, with a 1.7% decrease over the last year, suggesting that crime levels are not escalating. The following data provides a comprehensive breakdown of the criminal activity in Chatham, helping residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape and the specific risks associated with this urban environment.

Chatham's crime profile is significantly influenced by its urban density, with violence and sexual offences being the most common crime, accounting for 37.1% of all reports (45.9 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is also high at 20.6%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.5%. These figures reflect the social challenges often found in busy commercial and transport hubs.

Property-related crime in Chatham—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and shoplifting—presents a rate of 38.1 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average of 32.3. Shoplifting is a major contributor, representing 8.1% of all crimes, which is typical for an area with a large retail presence. Vehicle crime (4.0%) and burglary (2.1%) are also persistent issues. For residents and homeowners, this means that the risk of opportunistic crime is a significant factor in daily life. The high rate of theft and damage underscores the need for robust security measures for both homes and businesses. Protecting property in Chatham requires constant vigilance, as the high volume of people and commercial activity provides more opportunities for criminal acts compared to quieter residential areas.

The crime trend in Chatham is currently stable, with a minor decrease of 1.7% in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows a noticeable peak in criminal activity during the spring and summer months. The highest rates were recorded in May 2025 (12.8 per 1,000) and July 2025 (12.4 per 1,000). Conversely, crime was at its lowest in December 2024 and November 2025, both recording 8.4 per 1,000. This pattern suggests a seasonal influence on crime rates, with activity increasing as the weather warms and more people are in public spaces. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator that crime is not currently escalating, although the consistently high rates compared to the national average mean that maintaining a high level of security remains essential throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Chatham

The most common crime in Chatham is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 37.1% of all reported incidents. In a busy urban environment with a high crime rate, staying safe requires constant awareness and proactive habits. To enhance your safety in Chatham, consider these localized tips:

1. When walking through the town centre or near the bus and train stations, especially at night, stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid using headphones, which can reduce your awareness of your surroundings.
2. Given the high rate of shoplifting and theft, be extra vigilant with your belongings in crowded places. Keep bags zipped and never leave valuables like phones or wallets on tables in cafes or pubs.
3. Secure your vehicle at all times. With vehicle crime accounting for 4.0% of local incidents, parking in well-lit, busy areas and ensuring no items are left on display can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in.
4. Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities immediately. High levels of reporting help police identify problem areas and can lead to increased patrols and improved community safety.
5. Strengthen your home security. Ensure all windows and doors have robust locks and consider installing motion-sensor lighting around your property's perimeter to eliminate dark spots that could be used as cover by intruders.

Crime in Chatham follows a clear temporal cycle, with the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) being the most active period for theft-related offences, which account for 50% of all crimes during these hours. This peak aligns with the town's high volume of retail and commercial activity. As the day transitions into the night-time hours (12am - 6am), the nature of crime shifts significantly. During this period, vehicle crime becomes the most prominent property offence, making up 37% of incidents. Burglary also remains a factor, accounting for 13% of night-time reports. The evening period (6pm - 12am) is dominated by 'other' crime types, which constitute 56% of incidents. These patterns indicate that while daytime crime is largely driven by shoplifting and opportunistic theft in public spaces, nighttime crime is more focused on unattended vehicles and residential properties. Residents should ensure vehicles are securely parked overnight and property defences are robust during both the afternoon and late-night periods.

Chatham's crime rate of 123.8 per 1,000 is the highest among its immediate urban neighbours in Medway. In comparison, Gillingham has a rate of 102.5 and Rochester stands at 98.8. Blue Bell Hill, a more residential area, has a much lower rate of 67.3, while the rural village of Bredhurst reported 0.0 crimes. This data highlights Chatham as the most active criminal environment in the region, largely due to its high population density and role as a major retail and transport focal point. For those considering the Medway area, Chatham offers the most amenities but also carries the highest statistical risk, making local safety awareness and property security particularly important for its residents.

In a high-activity urban area like Chatham, where the property crime rate of 38.1 per 1,000 is well above the national average, traditional security often falls short. Reactive systems like standard CCTV or doorbell cameras only record a crime once it is already underway. In an environment with frequent anti-social behaviour and theft, having footage of an incident is often a poor substitute for preventing it in the first place.

The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a proactive alternative by focusing on prevention. Using advanced AI to monitor all cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect potential threats at your property boundary—such as an unrecognised individual loitering or attempting to test a lock—before a break-in occurs. Its ability to distinguish between normal routines and suspicious patterns allows it to trigger autonomous responses, like engaging floodlights or audio deterrents, which can stop a criminal before they commit to an act. For Chatham homeowners and business owners, this professional-grade, intelligent protection provides a decisive advantage in deterring opportunistic crime and ensuring that security is a proactive shield rather than just a recording device.