Chatham Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Chatham's crime rate in April 2025 stood at 11.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 54.5% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This significant divergence from national trends highlights the area's unique challenges as a built-up district within Medway, where urban density and community interactions may amplify certain types of crime. The most prevalent categories were violence and sexual offences (36.3% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (22.6%) and criminal damage and arson (9.0%). These patterns align with seasonal factors, as the Easter holiday and spring weather likely increased foot traffic in public spaces, contributing to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property crime. The dominance of violent offences—65% above the UK average—suggests a need for focused policing in areas with high concentrations of nightlife or social conflict. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of burglary (26% below UK average) may reflect the area's limited rural isolation or the presence of security measures in residential properties. The seasonal context of April, with its mix of Easter-related events and milder weather, likely influenced crime patterns, though the precise mechanisms remain subject to further analysis.

April 2025 saw dramatic spikes in specific crimes, with theft from the person rising by 233.3% (3 to 10 cases) and bicycle theft increasing by 150% (2 to 5 cases). These jumps suggest heightened vulnerability in personal security during the Easter period, possibly linked to increased foot traffic in public spaces. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 64.3% (14 to 5 cases), a decline that may reflect seasonal changes in criminal activity or temporary disruptions in supply chains. The crime mix also shifted, with violent crimes (353) and anti-social behaviour (220) dominating the landscape—both categories far exceeding UK averages by 65% and 103% respectively. This stark divergence from national trends underscores the need for targeted interventions in Chatham's built-up area, where violence and disorder are concentrated.

Chatham's crime rate in April 2025 rose to 11.9 per 1,000 residents, a 6.5% increase from the previous month's 11.1 per 1,000. This places the area 54.5% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a gap that has widened over recent months. On a daily basis, 32 crimes were reported across the 30-day period, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 84 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure highlights the persistent presence of crime in the area, though it remains a local metric without a UK-wide equivalent. The population context shows that Chatham's higher-than-average rate is not isolated but reflects broader patterns in its built-up area within Medway, where urban density and community dynamics may amplify certain types of crime.