Cheltenham Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Cheltenham

Cheltenham, with a population of 121,739, recorded an overall crime rate of 104.2 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is slightly higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 residents. The area's safety is reflected in its safety score of 77 out of 100, which is comparable to the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of property crime, Cheltenham experienced a rate of 37.6 per 1,000 people per year, also slightly above the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Over the past year, crime in Cheltenham has remained stable, showing a marginal decrease of 1.1% year-over-year. This introduction sets the context for a more detailed analysis of crime patterns and trends within the local authority district.

Factors Influencing Crime in Cheltenham

Cheltenham's crime statistics are shaped by a combination of its urban characteristics, vibrant activities, and population dynamics. As a prominent spa town, Cheltenham attracts a significant number of tourists and visitors, particularly during events like the Cheltenham Festival. This influx of transient population can sometimes correlate with increased opportunities for certain types of crime, such as theft and anti-social behaviour, especially in busy commercial and entertainment areas. The town's thriving nightlife, concentrated around its various bars, clubs, and restaurants, can also contribute to incidents of public order offences and violence and sexual offences, which are among the top reported crime types.

The presence of major transport hubs, while essential for connectivity, can also create anonymity that opportunistic criminals may exploit. Economically, a diverse population with varying income levels can sometimes influence crime rates, though Cheltenham generally boasts a strong economic profile. The town's mix of residential and commercial zones means that property crime, including burglary and shoplifting, remains a concern across different areas. Understanding these inherent characteristics of Cheltenham helps to contextualise its crime rate and safety score, providing insights into the challenges and considerations for community safety.

Crime Type Analysis in Cheltenham

An examination of crime types in Cheltenham reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 3,819 incidents, equating to 31.4 per 1,000 residents and 30.1% of all reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent issue with 2,847 incidents (23.4 per 1,000, 22.4% of total), while Shoplifting is the third highest, with 1,336 reported crimes (11.0 per 1,000, 10.5% of total). These figures highlight areas requiring particular attention within the community.

Property-related crime in Cheltenham, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 37.6 per 1,000 people per year. This category includes 488 burglaries (4.0 per 1,000), 795 vehicle crimes (6.5 per 1,000), and 757 other theft incidents (6.2 per 1,000). The overall property crime rate is slightly higher than the UK average, indicating that residents and homeowners in Cheltenham should be particularly mindful of securing their assets. Understanding these prevalent crime types can inform targeted prevention strategies and enhance personal safety measures.

Crime Trends in Cheltenham

Over the past year, Cheltenham has experienced a stable crime trend, with a slight decrease of 1.1% in overall crime year-over-year. This indicates that the total number of crimes reported in the last 12-month period is marginally lower than in the preceding 12 months. Analysing the monthly crime rate data reveals some fluctuations. For instance, the crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a peak of 9.6 in March 2025, after a dip to 7.5 in February 2025. This suggests seasonal or cyclical patterns might be at play. The rates generally hovered between 8.0 and 9.2 per 1,000 for most of the year, with October 2024 registering 9.2 and September 2025 at 8.7. These stable, yet fluctuating, trends suggest that while overall crime is not rapidly increasing, vigilance remains important for residents to mitigate potential risks.

Regional Crime Context: Cheltenham and Nearby Areas

To provide a broader perspective on crime in Cheltenham, it is helpful to compare its statistics with neighbouring areas. Cheltenham's overall crime rate of 104.2 per 1,000 is higher than that of Tewkesbury, which typically experiences lower crime levels. Similarly, when compared to Gloucester, a larger urban centre, Cheltenham's rate can be seen in context, often reflecting different demographic and activity profiles. Rural areas like Cotswold and Forest of Dean generally report significantly lower crime rates due to their sparse populations and differing characteristics. Stroud and Wychavon, which are often a mix of urban and rural settings, offer a varied comparison, with their crime rates usually falling between the extremes. Understanding these regional differences helps residents contextualise Cheltenham's crime statistics and appreciate its position within the local landscape.

Enhancing Property Protection in Cheltenham

Given Cheltenham's property crime rate of 37.6 per 1,000 people per year, which is slightly above the national average, it is prudent for residents to consider robust security measures. While traditional security systems often focus on recording incidents after they occur, a more effective approach is proactive prevention. Many conventional CCTV cameras, like those from Ring or Nest, provide footage of a burglary in progress, but they do not actively deter or stop the crime.

For those seeking genuine peace of mind, an AI-powered home security operating system such as scOS offers a significant advantage. Instead of simply documenting a break-in, scOS is designed to prevent crime before it happens by detecting threats at the property boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, never missing a moment, and features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious activity. By learning your routines, scOS minimises false alarms, only alerting you to real threats. This proactive stance, coupled with autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to destroy the element of surprise and encourage potential intruders to move on within their critical 60-second decision window. While DIY systems have their place, professional-grade equipment like scOS signals a serious commitment to protection, offering a powerful deterrent against property crime in Cheltenham.