Chard Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Chard, within South Somerset, reveal a concerning annual crime rate of 115.8 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure surpasses the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a higher level of criminal activity within the area. While the overall trend has remained stable, showing only a slight increase of 0.3% year-on-year, the prevalence of specific crime types warrants careful consideration. The data underscores the importance of understanding the factors contributing to crime in Chard and implementing effective preventative measures to enhance community safety.

The crime landscape in Chard, as reflected in data from January 2025 to December 2025, is predominantly shaped by concerns surrounding violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and public order incidents. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 782 crimes, representing 47.3% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, with 195 reported cases, constituting 11.8% of the total. Public order offences contributed 167 crimes, representing 10.1% of the overall crime statistics. Shoplifting presents a significant issue, with 137 incidents (8.3%), and criminal damage and arson also contribute notably with 111 crimes (6.7%). While vehicle crime is comparatively lower at 39 incidents (2.4%), burglary, at 36 (2.2%), warrants attention. The prevalence of these crime types highlights potential underlying factors within the community, such as social inequalities, economic pressures, and perhaps a lack of targeted preventative measures.

The crime rate in Chard has demonstrated a stable trend over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, exhibiting a minimal increase of 0.3% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with peaks in June and August (around 11.1 per 1,000) and a lower rate in March (8.3 per 1,000). This stability suggests that while crime remains a concern, significant shifts in overall criminal activity have not been observed. However, the variations month-to-month indicate that localised factors and seasonal influences may be impacting crime rates.

How To Keep Safe in Chard

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Chard, it's crucial to be vigilant in public spaces. Avoid walking alone at night where possible, and stick to well-lit areas. To mitigate the risk of anti-social behaviour, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. With shoplifting being a recurring issue, secure your belongings when shopping and be mindful of those around you. Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to enhance community vigilance and foster a sense of collective responsibility. Finally, ensure your home is properly secured with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system.

Crimes in Chard tend to exhibit distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most frequently reported during the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), with a slight increase in the evening (6pm-12am). Vehicle crime is notably higher during the night hours (12am-6am), suggesting a vulnerability during those times. Violence and theft show a tendency to occur during the afternoon and evening, with a peak in the late evening and night. Understanding these time-based patterns can help residents and authorities target preventative measures effectively.

When compared to surrounding areas, Chard’s crime rate presents a varied picture. Wadeford boasts a notably low crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, significantly lower than Chard. Combe St Nicholas exhibits a rate of 28.3 per 1,000, while Tatworth’s rate stands at 38.6 per 1,000. Chardstock, similarly to Wadeford, has a rate of 0.0. These comparisons highlight the localised nature of crime and suggest that certain factors within Chard may be contributing to its higher crime rate relative to some nearby settlements.

Traditional CCTV systems often record footage after a burglary has occurred. While this can be useful for investigations, it doesn't prevent the crime itself. scOS offers a fundamentally different approach. Using AI-powered threat detection at your property boundary, it identifies potential risks – like someone loitering suspiciously or a vehicle with fake plates – before they can escalate. The multi-camera intelligence system watches all cameras simultaneously, eliminating blind spots, and the DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles. The visible presence of scOS, with its strategically placed cameras and automated deterrents, creates a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to move on within those crucial 60 seconds. If you're serious about protecting your home in an area like Chard, considering a proactive security system like scOS is a significant upgrade from reactive measures.