Cheltenham Crime Rate

Cheltenham is a major regional hub in Gloucestershire with an overall crime rate of 104.1 per 1,000 people per year. This is higher than the UK average of 93.1, which is common for a town with significant retail, tourism, and nightlife activity. The area maintains a safety score of 77/100, which is very close to the UK average of 78/100. Recent data indicates that the crime trend in Cheltenham is stable, with a minor -1.0% change year-over-year. This suggests that while the volume of crime is above the national average, it is not currently on an upward trajectory. Understanding the local crime breakdown is essential for residents and businesses to stay informed and take appropriate safety measures.

About Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a regency spa town and borough in Gloucestershire, renowned for its architectural heritage, cultural festivals, and status as a major regional retail and tourism hub. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its dual identity as both a peaceful residential town and a high-activity destination. The Cheltenham Racecourse and various international festivals (Jazz, Literature, and Science) attract thousands of visitors annually, which can temporarily inflate crime figures related to theft and public order.

The town serves as a significant commercial centre, with a high concentration of retail outlets on the High Street and the Promenade, contributing to shoplifting and other acquisitive crimes. Cheltenham is also home to GCHQ, which brings a highly skilled workforce and affluent residential areas like Montpellier and Lansdown, though these can also be targets for property crime. The night-time economy, supported by a large number of bars and restaurants, influences rates of anti-social behaviour and violent crime. Economic factors, including its role as a key transport link in the South West, also play a part in the overall crime rate and safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Cheltenham

The most frequent crimes in Cheltenham are violence and sexual offences, accounting for 30.3% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 22.7% and shoplifting at 10.6%. These figures reflect the town's status as a busy commercial and social hub with a significant night-time economy.

Property-related crime across the borough is a major factor, with an overall rate of 37.2 per 1,000 people. This encompasses several categories, including shoplifting (10.6%), public order (6.6%), vehicle crime (6.2%), other theft (5.6%), and burglary (3.9%). Criminal damage and arson also contribute 6.2% to the total. For residents and business owners, this means that acquisitive crime—where property is targeted—is a persistent issue. While the burglary rate is relatively low compared to other major towns, the combined impact of theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting highlights the importance of robust property protection in both residential and commercial settings.

The crime trend in Cheltenham is currently stable, with a minor -1.0% decrease in total crimes compared to the previous year. A review of the monthly data shows a relatively consistent level of activity, with crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuating between 7.5 and 9.6. The peak month was March 2025, recording a rate of 9.6, while the lowest was February 2025 at 7.5. Following the spring peak, activity remained steady through the summer and autumn, with October 2025 recording a rate of 9.0. This stability suggests that while the volume of recorded incidents is higher than the national average, the local safety situation is predictable and not currently worsening.

When compared to surrounding areas in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham's crime rate of 104.1 per 1,000 residents appears significantly higher than several of its neighbours. Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Cotswold, Stroud, Wychavon, and the Forest of Dean all recorded zero crimes in the same comparative data period. This suggests that Cheltenham is a primary focal point for recorded incidents within the region, likely due to its status as the largest commercial and social centre. For those living in or moving to the area, it is important to recognise that as a major hub, Cheltenham naturally experiences higher volumes of certain crime types than more purely residential or rural neighbours.

With an overall property crime rate of 37.2 per 1,000 people and a stable trend, Cheltenham residents and businesses face a tangible risk of acquisitive crime. Shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary together form a significant portion of local activity. In such an environment, traditional security measures like basic CCTV or alarm systems are often insufficient because they are reactive; they only alert you or provide evidence after the damage is done.

scOS offers a proactive approach to security that is designed to stop crime before it happens. By utilizing AI-powered intelligence, scOS monitors all your cameras simultaneously and can identify potential threats at the property boundary. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously trigger responses—such as activating high-intensity lights or audio warnings—to deter the criminal before they reach your door. For a town like Cheltenham, where commercial and residential activity is high, scOS provides the real-time intervention needed to prevent property crime and ensure your home or business remains secure.

How To Keep Safe in Cheltenham

The most common crime in Cheltenham is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. While much of this activity is concentrated in the town centre, particularly during weekends and festival periods, it is important for residents across the borough to remain vigilant.

To enhance your safety across the Cheltenham area:

• Be aware of the high shoplifting rates in commercial areas and stay alert to your surroundings when shopping in the town centre.
• Ensure your vehicle is locked and no valuables are left on display, particularly when parked in public car parks or near the racecourse during major events.
• Secure your home with high-quality locks and consider upgrading to a proactive security system to deter burglary and theft.
• If you are visiting the town's nightlife areas, stay with friends and use well-lit routes when walking home late at night.
• Participate in local safety initiatives and report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the police immediately to help them target their patrols.