Chorleywood Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Chorleywood’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 3.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 48.5% below the UK average of 6.8. This consistent underperformance relative to national figures reflects a combination of local characteristics, including a compact built-up area with limited high-density residential zones, and a seasonal context marked by reduced footfall and shorter daylight hours. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.8% of total incidents, though this rate (1.4 per 1,000) remains 44% below the UK average. Property crimes, including shoplifting and burglary, collectively accounted for 52.3% of reported incidents, a pattern that aligns with the area’s mix of retail and residential spaces. Seasonal factors likely contributed to the overall crime profile, with January’s post-holiday period and colder weather reducing opportunities for outdoor crimes. The relatively low rate of anti-social behaviour (0.3 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) further suggests that localised factors—such as community engagement initiatives or effective street lighting—may help mitigate certain types of crime. While the area’s crime rate remains below national averages, the month-on-month fluctuations underscore the need for ongoing analysis to identify emerging patterns.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in January 2026 was a 166.7% increase in shoplifting, rising from 3 to 8 incidents. This surge, while significant, remains within UK average rates for the category (0.6 per 1,000). The increase may be linked to seasonal factors, such as post-holiday retail activity or changes in footfall patterns. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 75%, dropping from 4 to 1 incidents, a decline consistent with shorter daylight hours and reduced outdoor activity typical of January. Violence and sexual offences, though the most common category (38.8% of total crimes), remain 44% below the UK average (2.5 per 1,000), suggesting that localised efforts in community policing or environmental design may contribute to this disparity. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 20%, from 5 to 4 incidents, a trend that could reflect temporary reductions in public gatherings during colder weather. These shifts highlight the influence of seasonal and environmental factors on specific crime types, even as overall rates remain below national benchmarks.

Chorleywood's crime rate in January 2026 rose 52.9% compared to December 2025, increasing from 2.3 to 3.5 per 1,000 residents. This shift reflects a localised fluctuation rather than a broader trend, as the area remains 48.5% below the UK average. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported per day in January, a figure that aligns with seasonal patterns of reduced outdoor activity and lower retail footfall typical of the post-holiday period. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for every 288 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic, when contextualised against Chorleywood’s population of 14,111, suggests that residents face a relatively low risk of experiencing crime compared to other areas. The population-scaled perspective highlights the area’s continued safety profile despite the month-on-month increase, with no major crime categories exceeding UK averages except for shoplifting and burglary. This contrast underscores the importance of localised factors in shaping crime trends, rather than national patterns.