Chertsey Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 11,508, Chertsey’s 96 reported crimes in December 2023 equate to 8.3 incidents per 1,000 residents — a rate 15.3% above the UK average of 7.2. This volume, while not extreme, reflects the area’s role as a commuter and residential hub within Runnymede, where mixed-use development and seasonal activity patterns influence crime dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, accounting for 31.3% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.6%) and public order offences (12.5%). These figures align with the seasonal context of December: the Christmas shopping peak, dark evenings, and the temporary absence of residents during holidays likely amplified opportunities for certain crimes. The persistent gap between Chertsey’s rate and the UK average suggests that local factors — such as the town’s proximity to transport links, retail centres, and transient populations — may contribute to higher-than-average levels of property-related and public order offences. The 15.3% above UK average rate, though modest in absolute terms, highlights a need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of anti-social behaviour and burglary. The breakdown also reveals a significant disparity in crime types, with violent crimes remaining consistent with national trends but property crimes — particularly burglary and bicycle theft — showing marked increases that warrant closer scrutiny.

December saw sharp spikes in burglary, drugs, and bicycle theft, with burglary increasing by 250% compared to November (2 to 7 incidents). This surge may partly reflect holiday-related disruptions, such as empty homes and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 50% (14 to 7), potentially linked to reduced car usage during the festive period. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences remained elevated, with the former 29% above the UK average and the latter 108% above. These figures highlight a stark contrast between property-related and violent crime trends, with the latter accounting for 31.3% of all incidents. For residents, the 250% increase in burglary underscores the need for vigilance during the holiday season, when homes are often unoccupied. The 233% surge in bicycle theft, though small in absolute terms, suggests targeted opportunism in specific locations, such as near transport hubs or retail zones. Meanwhile, the 50% rise in drug-related incidents may indicate increased activity in areas with transient populations or unregulated social gatherings.

In December 2023, Chertsey’s crime rate rose to 8.3 per 1,000 residents, a 4.4% increase from November’s 8.0 per 1,000. This translates to roughly 3 crimes reported daily across the built-up area, which serves a population of 11,508. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 120 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local households. While the daily crime count aligns with the area’s character as a mixed-use commuter and residential hub, the 15.3% above UK average rate highlights a persistent challenge compared to the national benchmark. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Chertsey’s crime levels, though not extreme, remain higher than the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted local strategies. The 4.4% month-on-month rise, while modest, underscores the fluctuating nature of crime in areas with seasonal activity patterns. The spike in burglary and bicycle theft contrasts with the decline in vehicle crime, reflecting shifting patterns in criminal opportunity and resident behaviour during the festive season.