Chertsey Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 saw an unexpected surge in shoplifting in Chertsey, a built-up area within Runnymede, with incidents rising by 133.3% compared to December. This sharp increase in property crime, alongside a 75% jump in vehicle crime and a 60% rise in criminal damage and arson, contrasts with a 9.1% decrease in violence and sexual offences. The overall crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents places Chertsey 4.4% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, reflecting a mix of local and national trends. Violence and sexual offences remain the most common category, accounting for 36.6% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.1%) and criminal damage (9.8%). This pattern may partly reflect the area's proximity to retail hubs and commuter routes, though January's post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall typically correlate with lower shoplifting rates. The unexpected spike in shoplifting could be linked to targeted retail theft or shifts in consumer behaviour during the month. Meanwhile, the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.5 per 1,000) is 4% below Chertsey's rate, suggesting the area may have specific vulnerabilities in this category. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.2 per 1,000, is 29% above the UK average, tied to local community dynamics or enforcement practices. These findings underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of Chertsey's unique crime profile, which combines urban characteristics with elements of a commuter belt suburb.

Shoplifting surged by 133.3% in January 2026, jumping from 3 to 7 incidents. This increase, combined with a 75% rise in vehicle crime (4 to 7) and a 60% rise in criminal damage and arson (5 to 8), marks a significant shift in the crime mix. These property-related crimes now account for 46.3% of total incidents, up from 36.6% in December, reflecting a growing emphasis on property crime over violent crime. Shoplifting in Chertsey is 5% above the UK average, while vehicle crime is 62% above. Conversely, drug-related offences fell sharply by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), and public order offences dropped by 16.7%. The 9.1% decrease in violence and sexual offences, though smaller, may partly reflect seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and reduced social activity in January.

Chertsey's crime rate in January 2026 rose to 7.1 per 1,000 residents, a 13.9% increase from December's 6.3 per 1,000. This places the area 4.4% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 3 crimes per day, with one reported crime occurring for every 140 residents over the month. When contextualised against the population of 11,508, this suggests a relatively low but notable level of crime exposure. The rise from the previous month may reflect seasonal patterns, such as post-holiday activity or shifts in retail footfall. However, the distribution of crime types remains uneven, with certain categories like vehicle crime and criminal damage far exceeding UK averages. This highlights the need for targeted local responses, given the area's distinct profile compared to national trends.