Chatham Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2025, Chatham’s crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 residents placed it 42.9% above the UK average, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 100 residents over the course of the month. This rate, while higher than national benchmarks, reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (39.9% of total), anti-social behaviour (18.0%), and criminal damage and arson (9.2%). These patterns align with the month’s unique context: Christmas shopping peaks, party season, and the extended darkness of winter evenings, which may contribute to heightened tensions and opportunities for crime. The prominence of violence and sexual offences, occurring at 4.0 per 1,000—56% above the UK average—suggests a local challenge in addressing personal safety risks. This could be influenced by Chatham’s character as a built-up area within Medway, where urban density and seasonal social gatherings may intersect to create environments conducive to such crimes. Anti-social behaviour, which spiked 94% above the UK average, may also reflect the strain of holiday-related stress and the concentration of population in certain areas. Conversely, public order offences were 9% below the UK average, a slight anomaly that could indicate effective local policing strategies or community engagement efforts. The seasonal context of December, with its combination of festive activity and isolation during the holidays, likely plays a role in shaping these trends, though the exact mechanisms remain to be explored.

December 2025 saw significant increases in criminal damage and arson (+38.9%), drugs (+37.5%), and public order offences (+32.0%) compared to November. These rises may be linked to the festive season’s associated pressures, such as increased alcohol consumption and empty homes during holidays. Conversely, robbery and possession of weapons both decreased by over 30%, a shift that could reflect heightened police presence or seasonal deterrence factors. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent crime type, occurring at 4.0 per 1,000—56% above the UK average. This stark divergence highlights a local challenge in addressing violent crime, which accounts for nearly 40% of all incidents. Residents may find the 56% above-UK-average rate for violence particularly concerning, as it suggests a higher risk of personal safety threats compared to national trends. Meanwhile, public order offences, though rising, are 9% below the UK average, indicating a possible local success in managing disturbances.

Chatham’s crime rate in December 2025 rose 18.0% compared to November 2025, reflecting a persistent upward trend. With 817 crimes reported over 31 days, that equates to roughly 26 crimes per day—placing the area’s daily risk in stark contrast to the UK average, which is not available for this metric. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 100 residents, a figure that underscores the tangible impact of crime on local communities. This monthly exposure rate is particularly significant in an area with a population of 82,023, where even small shifts in crime statistics can influence perceptions of safety. The increase in violent crime and anti-social behaviour, coupled with the seasonal context of Christmas shopping and dark evenings, may partly explain the higher-than-UK-average figures. However, the slight decrease in robbery and possession of weapons suggests that some crime types are being managed more effectively, potentially through targeted policing efforts or community initiatives.