Chatham Crime Rate

Chatham is a major urban centre with an overall crime rate of 125.4 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6, reflecting the town's high population density and urban challenges. Consequently, Chatham has a safety score of 71/100, which is below the national average of 79. The recent crime trend is described as stable, with a marginal 0.9% increase year-over-year. Property crime is a particular concern, with a rate of 38.3 per 1,000, exceeding the UK average of 32.2. The following analysis provides a detailed look at crime types and time-based patterns in Chatham from January 2025 to December 2025, offering essential insights for residents and businesses.

Crime Breakdown in Chatham

Chatham experiences a high volume of crime, with violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent type, accounting for 37.1% of all reported incidents (3,814 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is also very common, making up 20.9% of the total, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.4%. These figures highlight significant public order and personal safety challenges within the town.

Property crime is a major concern in Chatham, with an overall rate of 38.3 per 1,000 people, which is considerably higher than the UK average of 32.2. This category is led by shoplifting (8.0%) and other theft (6.1%). Vehicle crime (4.0%) and burglary (2.1%) also contribute to the total. For residents and business owners, these statistics indicate a high risk of opportunistic theft and vandalism. The 825 reported shoplifting incidents and 407 vehicle crimes over the year suggest that security for both commercial premises and private vehicles should be a top priority. While the burglary rate is lower than other types of theft, the high overall property crime rate means that homeowners should remain vigilant and invest in effective security measures.

Crime Trends in Chatham

The crime trend in Chatham is currently stable, showing a minor year-over-year increase of 0.9%. This indicates that the town's safety profile has remained consistent over the last 12 months. Monthly data from 2025 shows that the year began with a crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 in January, which increased as the year progressed.

The peak for criminal activity was recorded in May 2025, reaching a rate of 12.8 per 1,000, with other high-activity months in April (11.9) and July (12.4). These spring and summer peaks are typical for major urban centres. Following the summer, there was a decline in September (9.1) before a slight rise in December to 10.0. This pattern suggests that while Chatham faces high crime levels, they are predictable and follow a seasonal cycle. For residents, staying informed about these peaks can help in planning personal safety and property security.

How To Keep Safe in Chatham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Chatham, accounting for over 37% of all reports. To stay safe, particularly in the town centre or near the bus and train stations, it is advised to remain aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, busy pedestrian routes. If you are out late, try to travel with others and use reputable taxi services for your journey home.

Anti-social behaviour is also a major concern, making up nearly 21% of local crime. Residents are encouraged to participate in local community safety forums and report persistent issues to the police. To protect against property crime, which is high in Chatham, ensure your home and vehicle are always locked, and never leave valuables on display. For business owners, shoplifting is a significant issue; implementing visible security and staff training can help reduce losses. By staying vigilant and taking these practical steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of opportunistic crime in Chatham's busy urban landscape.

Crime Timing in Chatham

Crime in Chatham follows distinct temporal patterns. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is the peak time for theft-related offences, which account for 49% of all crimes during these hours, driven by the town's active retail and commercial centre. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) also see significant theft activity at 44%.

As the day moves into the evening (6pm - 12am), there is a significant shift towards "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which rise to 57% of the total. Night-time (12am - 6am) presents a specific risk for vehicle owners; while overall crime volume is lower, vehicle crime spikes to 38% of all incidents during these early hours. Burglary risk remains relatively stable throughout the afternoon, evening, and night, peaking at 12% during the early morning hours. Residents should be aware that property and vehicle risks are highest when the streets are quietest.

Chatham is the most active urban hub in the Medway region. When compared to its closest neighbours, Gillingham (102.0) and Rochester (98.6), Chatham reports a higher crime rate per 1,000 people. It also contrasts sharply with smaller, more residential areas like Blue Bell Hill (62.9) and rural villages like Bredhurst, which has negligible crime. For those considering the Medway area, Chatham offers the most extensive commercial and transport facilities, but this comes with a higher crime profile typical of a busy town centre. Understanding this regional context helps residents choose the right neighbourhood for their needs while being aware of local safety dynamics.

With a property crime rate of 38.3 per 1,000, Chatham residents face a significantly higher risk than the national average. This makes the choice of home security critical. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY alarms, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens or alert you after a break-in has occurred. In an area with over 400 vehicle crimes and 200 burglaries annually, a more advanced, proactive approach is required.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime. Instead of just recording footage, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. It can identify potential threats before they reach your door and respond autonomously—activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings to deter intruders. This active deterrence is vital in Chatham, as it destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on. By choosing scOS, you are investing in a professional-grade system that moves from reactive recording to autonomous prevention, ensuring your home remains a hard target in a busy urban environment.