Chatham Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Chatham's crime rate in November 2025 reached 8.4 per 1,000, placing it 15.1% above the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This figure underscores a persistent challenge for the built-up area within Medway, where the town's mix of commercial activity, residential density, and seasonal influences contributes to a crime profile that diverges from the national norm. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.8% of all crimes, a category that is 17% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour, at 20.5% of total crimes, exceeded the UK rate by 60%. These figures suggest that the local context—such as the town's retail and leisure infrastructure, combined with the darker evenings of late November—may be exacerbating incidents in high-traffic or poorly lit areas. The month also saw a 17.6% increase in burglary cases, likely linked to Bonfire Night events, which temporarily disrupted residential security. In contrast, some categories, such as shoplifting (0.6 per 1,000, 5% below the UK average), appear to be managed effectively, possibly due to enhanced retail security measures. The seasonal context of November—marked by Black Friday shopping, extended evenings, and Bonfire Night—adds complexity to the local crime dynamics, with each event influencing different crime types. For instance, the surge in violent crime could be tied to increased foot traffic in commercial zones, while anti-social behaviour may reflect heightened social interactions during festive periods. However, the lack of a corresponding drop in violent crime despite the overall monthly decline suggests that underlying structural factors, such as socioeconomic conditions or policing strategies, remain influential. Chatham's position as a built-up area within Medway, with its blend of urban and suburban characteristics, further complicates the picture, as it balances the pressures of dense population centres with the challenges of managing crime in more dispersed residential areas. This interplay of factors highlights the need for targeted interventions that address both immediate situational risks and long-term systemic issues.

Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.8% of all crimes in November, a category that is 17% above the UK average (2.6 per 1,000). This spike coincides with the darkening evenings of late November, potentially extending the timeframe for incidents in poorly lit areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 20.5% of total crimes, also exceeded the UK average by 60%, suggesting a significant local challenge in managing public conduct. Meanwhile, burglary saw a 17.6% increase (17 to 20 cases), a rise that may be linked to Bonfire Night festivities creating temporary vulnerabilities in residential areas. Conversely, drugs-related crimes fell by 36% (from 25 to 16 cases), though this decline remains unexplained without further context. Public order offences also dropped by 32.4% (37 to 25), reflecting a reduction in alcohol-fuelled incidents during the month. These contrasting trends highlight the uneven nature of local crime patterns, where some categories are worsening while others show unexpected declines. Shoplifting remained stable at 0.6 per 1,000, slightly below the UK average, indicating effective retail security measures in the town's commercial districts.

Chatham's crime rate in November 2025 (8.4 per 1,000) reflects a 12.9% decline from October 2025's 9.7 per 1,000.1% above the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This monthly reduction suggests potential short-term factors influencing crime dynamics, such as seasonal transitions or local initiatives, but the overall rate indicates sustained challenges. On a daily basis, Chatham experienced an average of 23 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 119 residents over the course of the month. Given Chatham's population of 82,023, this monthly exposure highlights a higher risk of encountering crime compared to the national average, particularly in areas with dense commercial activity or limited lighting. The town's built-up character within Medway, combined with its retail and leisure infrastructure, may contribute to persistent crime trends, though the month-on-month decline suggests some temporary mitigation. However, the absence of a corresponding drop in violent crime or anti-social behaviour indicates that structural factors—such as socioeconomic conditions or policing strategies—continue to play a significant role in shaping the local crime profile.