Chatham Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Chatham’s crime rate in April 2024 stood at 10.6 per 1,000, placing it 37.7% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure highlights the area’s position as a built-up part of Medway, where urban density and community dynamics likely influence crime trends. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.2% of all incidents — a rate of 4.1 per 1,000, 60% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.7% of crimes at 1.7 per 1,000, also significantly above the national benchmark. These patterns align with Chatham’s character as a mixed-use area with a blend of residential and commercial zones, which may exacerbate tensions or create environments conducive to such crimes. Seasonal factors, such as the Easter period and increased outdoor activity during spring, may have contributed to higher rates of violent and anti-social incidents, though the exact causal links remain speculative. The breakdown also reveals that criminal damage and arson, at 1.0 per 1,000, were 69% above the UK average, linked to the area’s infrastructure or community engagement. While property crimes such as shoplifting and vehicle crime showed some fluctuations, the overall profile indicates a need for targeted strategies to address the elevated rates of violent and disorderly conduct.

April 2024 saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with robbery incidents surging by 100% (from 5 to 10), a stark contrast to the 33.3% drop in shoplifting (from 90 to 60). These changes highlight a shift in criminal focus, possibly linked to seasonal dynamics such as increased foot traffic during Easter or altered retail activity. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 23.7% (from 59 to 45), a decline that may reflect improved security measures or reduced parking congestion during the month. Violent crimes remained high, with a rate of 4.1 per 1,000 — 60% above the UK average — underscoring persistent challenges in this category. For residents, the 100% increase in robbery incidents serves as a clear indicator of areas requiring heightened vigilance, particularly in high-traffic zones. The mixed trends illustrate the complexity of local crime dynamics, where some categories show marked improvement while others remain elevated, necessitating targeted interventions.

Chatham’s crime rate in April 2024 fell by 9.0% from the previous month’s 11.7 per 1,000 to 10.6 per 1,000, marking a slight but notable decline. This reduction, however, still leaves the area 37.7% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. On a daily basis, Chatham experienced approximately 29 crimes per day in April, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 94 residents over the course of the month. While this monthly exposure rate is a local metric and not directly comparable to UK-wide data, it underscores the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population of 82,023. The population context further highlights the density of crimes: with 871 total crimes, the area’s built-up nature likely amplifies interactions that contribute to higher rates, though seasonal factors such as Easter and spring weather may also play a role in shaping these figures. The decrease from March suggests potential stabilisation in policing efforts or community responses, though sustained monitoring will be necessary to confirm long-term trends.