Cheshire leads England and Wales for crime charge rates

Latest data shows the county continues to lead the region for low crime rates and high charge rates.

According to national police recorded crime and outcomes data, Cheshire Police tops the charts across England and Wales for the highest charge rate for all crime in the 12 months to March 2026.

The force also leads the country in charge rates for sexual offences, violence against the person, stalking and harassment, and burglary.

Chief constable Mark Roberts said: "Cheshire Police continues to be a leading example of how policing should be done, not just in the north west, but nationally.

"It fills me with an enormous sense of pride to see the efforts of our officers and staff reflected in these nationally released figures.

"My thanks, as always, goes to them for their great work."

Cheshire also ranks second nationally in terms of charge rates for vehicle crime charge rates, third for shoplifting, fifth for rape offences, and sixth for robbery.

The force’s performance is supported by another recent report confirming Cheshire remains one of the safest counties in the UK.

Crime reductions were recorded across several categories, including a 12 per cent drop in residential burglaries, eight per cent in bike thefts, seven per cent in stalking and harassment, and five per cent in theft from a person.

CC Roberts continued: "It is the vital contribution of officers and staff to protecting and serving the good people of our county that has resulted in Cheshire sitting at the top of the table for driving down the number of multiple major crime types and securing charges against those who are foolish enough to think they can get away with it.

"Crimes such as residential burglaries, shoplifting, and bike thefts, all of which are seen as growing issues nationally, are being robustly dealt with.

"The efforts of your local policing teams are sending a clear message that these offences will not be tolerated anywhere in Cheshire.

"Not only this, but we are continuing to lead the way in the protection of vulnerable people, with the force ranking at the top in charging offenders involved in stalking and harassment cases, as well as getting justice for victims of sexual offences.

"The force is also working hard to charge suspects involved in rape and serious sexual offences, ahead of 41 other English and Welsh forces.

"We will do all that we can to ensure charges for these offences remain high as we move into 2027 and beyond."

CC Roberts is due to retire in November after 33 years in policing.

He added: "As I approach my retirement in November, I am incredibly proud to be finishing my 33 years in policing in a force that is performing so strongly in tackling the biggest issues that matter the most to its residents.

"We work around the clock, 365 days a year, to help them feel safe, bring bad people to justice and, most importantly, keep Cheshire a hostile environment for criminals."