Chard Crime Rate

Chard is one of the larger towns in South Somerset and currently has an overall crime rate of 112.8 per 1,000 people. This rate is higher than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in a safety score of 71/100. Despite these figures, the crime trend in Chard is stable, with a 4.1% decrease in reported incidents over the last year. As a significant residential and industrial hub, the town experiences a higher concentration of crime than the surrounding rural parishes. Understanding these statistics is essential for residents to effectively manage their personal and property security.

Crime Breakdown in Chard

Chard's crime statistics are heavily weighted towards violence and sexual offences, which constitute 48.1% of all reported crimes (776 incidents). Anti-social behaviour (12.2%) and public order offences (9.6%) also contribute significantly to the local landscape. Property crime, encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, occurs at a rate of 29.1 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.9, it remains a notable factor for the town's residents. Shoplifting is also prevalent, with 128 recorded cases. For homeowners and business owners, the data suggests a need for vigilance, particularly given the 113 incidents of criminal damage and arson and 37 burglaries reported annually. Overall, the high proportion of violence-related offences indicates that personal safety is a primary concern in the area.

Chard Crime Trends

The crime rate in Chard is currently stable, showing a 4.1% decrease year-over-year. Monthly analysis shows that crime peaked in June and August 2025, both reaching 11.1 per 1,000 people. The lowest rates were observed in November 2024 (7.7) and April 2025 (8.1). This indicates a seasonal trend where crime increases during the summer months. For residents, the overall stability is encouraging, but the summer spikes suggest that extra vigilance is needed during the warmer part of the year when more people are out in public spaces.

How To Keep Safe in Chard

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Chard, personal safety and awareness are key priorities for residents.

1. Avoid walking alone in unlit or isolated areas at night, particularly around the town's industrial estates or less busy residential streets.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in the town centre, especially during late-night hours when public order offences are more likely to occur.
3. If you are a business owner, consider joining local retail crime initiatives to help combat the high rates of shoplifting.
4. Ensure your home is well-lit at night; motion-sensor lighting is an effective way to deter anti-social behaviour near your property.
5. Report any suspicious activity or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them allocate resources where they are most needed.

Chard Crime Time Patterns

Crime in Chard follows a clear temporal pattern. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the predominant issue, accounting for around 50% of reports as retail and commercial activity peaks. As the day transitions into evening and night, the profile shifts towards 'Other' crimes, which include anti-social behaviour, violence, and public order offences. These account for 59% of evening reports and 45% of night-time incidents. Burglary risk is highest during the night (18%) and afternoon (14%), while vehicle crime sees a significant spike overnight, making up 25% of all crimes between 12am and 6am. This suggests that while theft is a daytime concern, property and personal safety risks intensify after dark.

Regional Context and Comparisons

In the context of South Somerset, Chard has one of the higher crime rates, largely due to its urban density. When compared to nearby villages, the difference is significant. Wadeford and Chardstock both reported zero crimes, highlighting the safety of the immediate rural surroundings. Other nearby areas like Combe St Nicholas (30.7) and Tatworth (34.9) also maintain much lower crime rates than Chard's 112.8. This suggests that crime in the area is heavily concentrated within the town itself, making localized security measures more important for those living within the built-up area of Chard.

Proactive Security in Chard

With property crime in Chard at 29.1 per 1,000, residents should consider the limitations of traditional security. Standard CCTV and DIY doorbells often only provide evidence after a crime has occurred. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and intervene in real-time. For Chard homeowners, the autonomous response—such as activating deterrent lighting or audio alerts—can destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on. In an area where violent crime and anti-social behaviour are high, having a system that prevents entry rather than just recording it provides a much higher level of personal and property protection. scOS turns your security from a passive witness into an active guardian.