Chatham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Chatham’s built-up area recorded 785 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 41.2% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, a significant disparity that highlights the area’s unique challenges. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.5% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.9%) and other theft (7.9%). These patterns may be influenced by Chatham’s role as a commuter hub and its proximity to Medway’s industrial zones, which could contribute to higher levels of interpersonal conflict and property-related crime. Seasonally, January’s post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall likely explain the lower incidence of shoplifting and vehicle crime compared to busier months. However, the sharp rise in robbery and bicycle theft suggests other factors, such as increased demand for stolen goods or changes in local demographics, may be at play. The area’s crime profile remains a concern, with anti-social behaviour and violence consistently outpacing national averages. This data underscores the need for tailored strategies addressing both immediate public safety concerns and long-term community engagement.

January 2026 saw a sharp increase in robbery, with cases rising by 140% from 5 to 12. This jump aligns with seasonal patterns, as post-holiday periods often coincide with higher demand for illicit goods or services. Bicycle theft also rose by 80%, from 5 to 9 incidents, potentially reflecting colder weather driving more indoor activity and less visibility for cyclists. In contrast, vehicle crime fell by 51.2%, from 41 to 20, which may be attributed to reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours curbing opportunistic theft. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime, was 115% above the UK average, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in public spaces. Meanwhile, theft from the person dropped by 80%, from 5 to 1 incidents, due to increased public awareness or changes in behaviour during the post-holiday period.

Chatham's crime rate in January 2026 dropped by 3.9% compared to the previous month, falling from 10.0 to 9.6 per 1,000 residents. This slight decline contrasts with the area’s overall elevated rate, which remains 41.2% above the UK average. On a daily basis, 25 crimes were reported each day in January, a figure that illustrates the persistent presence of criminal activity in a populated built-up area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 104 residents, a metric that places Chatham’s monthly exposure in the context of its population size. This rate, while lower than the previous month, still highlights the need for ongoing attention to local crime patterns. The population of 82,023 means that the absolute number of crimes—785—translates to a significant volume when scaled per capita, reinforcing the importance of community-focused policing and public awareness initiatives.