Cheltenham Crime Rate

Cheltenham’s crime rate currently stands at 104.7 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, based on data from February 2025 to January 2026. This figure is 14.7% above the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. While the overall crime trend has remained stable over the past year, with a slight increase of 2.0%, certain crime categories have shown more significant fluctuations. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics in Cheltenham, along with practical advice to enhance your personal safety.

Cheltenham is a town with a diverse population and a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas. The town’s historical significance and popularity as a tourist destination contribute to a vibrant atmosphere, but also present unique challenges in terms of crime prevention. Higher foot traffic in certain areas, coupled with a mix of demographics, can create opportunities for criminal activity. The presence of Swindon (Cheltenham), with a crime rate of 413.9 per 1,000, is a significant outlier within the local authority district and significantly impacts the overall crime statistics.

The most prevalent crimes in Cheltenham are violence and sexual offences (3797 crimes, 31.2 per 1,000), followed by anti-social behaviour (2971 crimes, 24.4 per 1,000), and shoplifting (1461 crimes, 12.0 per 1,000). Overall property crime in Cheltenham affects 37.5 residents per 1,000, reflecting a higher incidence compared to the UK average. Vehicle crime, with 752 incidents, highlights a specific area of concern. Burglary rates also exceed the national average, with 505 reported incidents, representing 4.2 per 1,000 residents. Understanding these specific crime categories is crucial for targeted safety measures.

Crime in Cheltenham has remained stable, increasing by 2.0% year-on-year from February 2025 to January 2026. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with the highest monthly rate observed in March 2025 (9.6 per 1,000) and the lowest in February 2025 (7.5 per 1,000). While some crime types, such as bicycle theft, have decreased significantly (-24.4% YoY), others, including shoplifting (+24.0% YoY) and robbery (+17.9% YoY), have risen. This fluctuating pattern requires continued monitoring and adaptive safety strategies.

Comparing Cheltenham’s crime rate of 104.7 per 1,000 to neighbouring local authorities reveals varying levels of safety. Tewkesbury (60.9 per 1,000) and Cotswold (58.9 per 1,000) exhibit significantly lower crime rates, while Gloucester (135.3 per 1,000) reports a considerably higher rate. This highlights that while Cheltenham's crime rate is above average, safety levels can differ significantly within the region.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they’ve occurred, providing limited preventative value. scOS offers a proactive approach to home security. Using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, it detects threats at your property boundary, instantly verifying vehicle registrations and recognizing familiar faces to distinguish genuine risks. The visible presence of scOS acts as a significant deterrent, often causing potential intruders to move on before any attempt is made to enter your property. Unlike DIY systems that simply alert you after a break-in, scOS intervenes in real-time, preventing crime before it happens.

How To Keep Safe in Cheltenham

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and consider travelling with a companion. Due to the higher rate of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities. With vehicle crime being a concern, always lock your vehicle and remove valuables. Finally, as burglary rates are above average, ensure your home is securely locked and consider installing an alarm system.