Chatham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

A 500% surge in theft from the person in February 2026 defied expectations for Chatham, a built-up area within Medway. This sharp rise in property crime, which now accounts for 8.0% of all crimes, contrasts with a 66.7% drop in bicycle theft and a 33.9% decline in other theft. The overall crime rate of 9.0 per 1,000 residents placed Chatham 40.6% above the UK average of 6.4, reflecting persistent challenges in violent crime and anti-social behaviour. Violence and sexual offences (275 incidents) remained the most common crime type, contributing 37.5% of all reported crimes. This figure is 47% above the UK average for the category, highlighting a troubling trend in personal safety. Anti-social behaviour (156 incidents) also exceeded expectations, with a 109% increase over the UK average. The winter season, typically marked by reduced outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, may have contributed to these patterns. However, the 500% spike in theft from the person—jumping from one to six incidents—suggests a sudden shift in criminal activity that may warrant further scrutiny. The area's proximity to retail hubs and transport links likely exacerbates property crime risks, while its urban density may amplify anti-social behaviour. Despite these challenges, the 6.5% monthly decline in the overall crime rate from 9.6 per 1,000 in January indicates some short-term progress. Seasonal factors, such as the absence of major holidays in February, may have limited opportunities for certain crimes, though the unexpected rise in theft from the person remains unexplained by current data.

February 2026 saw a 500% increase in theft from the person, rising from one to six incidents—a stark anomaly in a month typically marked by lower crime activity. This jump, though small in absolute terms, suggests a sudden shift in criminal focus that may relate to targeted opportunities in public spaces. Meanwhile, bicycle theft plummeted by 66.7% (from nine to three incidents), possibly reflecting colder weather deterring outdoor crime or increased security measures. The violent crime category remained high, with 275 incidents (3.4 per 1,000 residents) marking a 47% increase over the UK average for the category. Anti-social behaviour (156 incidents) also exceeded expectations, at 109% above the UK average. Vehicle crime (16 incidents) was 43% below the UK average, linked to Chatham's urban layout limiting parking vulnerabilities. For residents, the 500% rise in theft from the person offers a clear warning to remain vigilant in crowded areas. The drop in bicycle theft, while positive, may not be sustainable if seasonal factors shift again. The UK comparison data underscores that Chatham's violent crime and anti-social behaviour rates are significantly higher than national averages, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in high-risk zones. These findings highlight a combination of local dynamics and broader national trends.

Chatham's crime rate in February 2026 (9.0 per 1,000) marked a 6.5% decline from the previous month's rate of 9.6 per 1,000, yet remained 40.6% above the UK average. This monthly change, while modest, may reflect seasonal lulls or ongoing policing efforts. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 26 crimes per day, a figure that, while contextually local, underscores the frequency of criminal activity in a built-up area. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 112 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while not extreme, highlights the need for continued vigilance. Chatham's population of 82,023 means that the 734 total crimes equate to a crime rate that is 40.6% higher than the UK average, a disparity that may be influenced by the area's urban density and proximity to transport networks. The 500% increase in theft from the person, though small in absolute numbers, may indicate a shift in criminal tactics or heightened vulnerability in specific locations. In contrast, the 66.7% drop in bicycle theft could signal the effectiveness of local initiatives or seasonal factors. The UK comparison data reinforces that Chatham's violent crime and anti-social behaviour rates are higher than the national average, suggesting that local conditions—such as high population density or socioeconomic factors—may contribute to these disparities. These figures provide a benchmark for residents to assess their own risk levels and for local authorities to prioritize resources effectively.