Cheltenham Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 marked a concerning rise in crime across Cheltenham, with the local authority district recording a crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents — 23.6% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This figure underscores a stark deviation from national trends, particularly as the area’s crime profile shifted toward violent and property offences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.5% of all crimes, a category where Cheltenham’s rate of 3.0 per 1,000 was 15% higher than the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.3 per 1,000, and shoplifting, at 1.0 per 1,000, also exceeded national benchmarks by 40% and 104% respectively. These trends may partly explain the heightened police presence in public spaces during the festive season. Seasonal factors likely contributed to the pattern: the Christmas shopping peak, combined with extended dark evenings and the closure of some homes during holidays, created conditions ripe for opportunistic crime. While the area’s retail centres and vibrant nightlife have historically driven property and violent crime, the sharp rise in shoplifting — up 28.9% from November — suggests targeted vulnerabilities in local stores. The data aligns with Cheltenham’s character as a tourist destination and commuter hub, where high foot traffic and seasonal events may exacerbate crime risks. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high retail density and during late-night hours.

December 2023 saw notable spikes in bicycle theft (+30%) and shoplifting (+28.9%), with the latter surging to 116 incidents — a 104% increase over the UK average. These trends contrast sharply with decreases in theft from the person (-53.3%) and possession of weapons (-37.5%), though the latter remains 100% below the UK average. The violent crime category, already 15% above the UK norm, dominated the crime mix, accounting for nearly a third of all reported incidents. This imbalance suggests a shift toward more confrontational offences during the festive season, potentially linked to alcohol consumption and crowded public spaces. For residents, the most immediate concern is the surge in shoplifting, which may indicate a need for enhanced security measures in local retail outlets. Meanwhile, the 40% increase in anti-social behaviour — now at 1.3 per 1,000 — highlights growing tensions in areas with high transient populations, such as the town centre and university campuses. While vehicle crime fell 11% below the UK average, this may reflect the area’s relatively low density of parking lots and car parks. The data paints a complex picture: while some categories improved, the overall rise in violent and property crime demands closer attention from local authorities and community groups.

Cheltenham’s December 2023 crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 represented a 5.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.4 per 1,000. However, this reduction masks a persistent gap between local and national trends: Cheltenham remains 23.6% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 35 crimes per day — a figure that, while lower than November, still reflects the area’s elevated risk profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 113 residents, a ratio that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for continued vigilance. When compared to the UK population-scaled context, Cheltenham’s higher-than-average rates in violence (15% above), anti-social behaviour (40% above), and shoplifting (104% above) highlight systemic challenges. The local population of 121,739 means that even small increases in crime rates can translate to significant absolute numbers — for instance, the 28.9% rise in shoplifting corresponds to 26 additional incidents. These figures suggest that while Cheltenham’s crime rate is trending downward month-on-month, the underlying issues driving higher-than-average rates remain unresolved, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and transient populations.