Cheltenham Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 marked an 11.5% decrease in Cheltenham’s overall crime rate compared to March, falling from 10.4 to 9.2 per 1,000 residents. Despite this decline, the area’s crime rate remained 22.7% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences (34.6% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (19.3%) were the most prevalent categories, both significantly exceeding UK averages. Public order offences (10.4%) and criminal damage (8.0%) also contributed to the elevated figures. The seasonal shift to spring, with increased outdoor activity around Easter, likely influenced patterns. Cheltenham’s character as a commuter town with a mix of retail and leisure spaces may explain higher rates of public order and anti-social behaviour, which often correlate with foot traffic in high streets and parks. While the month-on-month drop suggests temporary improvements, the persistent gap from the UK average highlights ongoing challenges in addressing local crime drivers.

April 2023 saw specific trends in crime categories, with shoplifting increasing by 13.4% (67 to 76) and vehicle crime rising by 11.7% (60 to 67). These increases may reflect heightened activity during the Easter period, when retail and parking areas see more visitors. Conversely, theft from the person plummeted by 80% (25 to 5), possibly due to improved security measures or seasonal changes in behaviour. Bicycle theft also dropped by 40% (25 to 15), which could align with reduced cycling during wet weather or increased awareness. Violence and sexual offences remained 23% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 53% higher, both pointing to persistent issues in public spaces. Other theft and drugs offences were lower than UK averages, suggesting effective local strategies or demographic factors. For residents, the 80% decline in theft from the person offers a tangible example of how targeted interventions or seasonal shifts can impact specific crime types.

Cheltenham’s April 2023 crime rate of 9.2 per 1,000 residents reflects an 11.5% decrease from March’s 10.4, but the rate remains significantly above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 37 crimes per day, equating to one reported crime for every 109 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate underscores the frequency of crime in a population of 121,739, though it does not account for variations in reporting or policing intensity. The drop from March may align with seasonal factors, such as reduced Easter-related events or improved community engagement. However, the continued gap from the UK average suggests structural differences, possibly linked to Cheltenham’s mix of urban and semi-rural areas, which may face distinct challenges in crime prevention. While the 37 daily crimes figure provides a snapshot, it is essential to contextualise this within the broader UK landscape, where the average rate is 7.5 per 1,000. Local authorities may need to address persistent categories like anti-social behaviour and violence to narrow this gap further.