Cheltenham Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 121,739, Cheltenham's 1,060 reported crimes in February 2023 equate to 8.7 crimes per 1,000 residents — 26.1% above the UK average of 6.9 per 1,000. This rate reflects a combination of local factors, with seasonal patterns and community dynamics likely contributing to the figures. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35% of all crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average for this category by 26%. Anti-social behaviour (15.7%) and public order offences (11.0%) followed closely, both showing marked deviations from national benchmarks. The winter month of February, characterised by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may have influenced these trends, though the precise interplay of factors remains unclear. Cheltenham's market town identity, with its mix of historic architecture, retail hubs, and educational institutions, likely shapes crime patterns distinct from larger urban centres. The prominence of anti-social behaviour and public order offences could be linked to the town's social fabric, while elevated shoplifting rates may reflect the presence of high-traffic retail areas. These findings underscore the need to contextualise crime statistics within the specific characteristics of the area, rather than drawing broad conclusions from aggregated data alone.

February 2023 saw violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, with 371 incidents — 35% of all reported crimes — and a rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents, 26% above the UK average. This category's prominence may be partly explained by the town's social mix, including a significant student population and a concentration of nightlife venues. Anti-social behaviour (166 incidents) and public order offences (117 incidents) both showed stark divergence from national norms, with rates 44% and 75% higher than UK averages respectively. These figures could reflect the impact of seasonal transitions, with colder weather increasing tensions in public spaces. Conversely, certain categories showed lower rates than the UK average: other theft (25% below) and vehicle crime (33% below) may benefit from Cheltenham's lower population density and limited commuter traffic compared to major cities. Shoplifting, however, stood out as a major concern, with 93 incidents — 82% above the UK average — linked to the town's retail presence. A resident would note that over 100 crimes related to violence, anti-social behaviour, and public order occurred in the same month as the town's population of 121,739, highlighting the scale of these issues relative to local demographics.

Cheltenham's crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents in February 2023 translates to 38 crimes reported per day — a figure that, while higher than the UK average, remains within the context of the town's specific characteristics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 115 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while significant, should be understood in relation to the area's population size and local dynamics. When compared to previous months, the February 2023 rate represents a notable increase from the January 2023 figure, though the exact month-on-month change is not provided in the data. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Cheltenham's crime burden, while elevated compared to the UK average, is not uniformly distributed across all categories. For instance, the 8.7 rate includes 3.1 per 1,000 for violence and sexual offences, 1.4 per 1,000 for anti-social behaviour, and 1.0 per 1,000 for public order offences — figures that, when contextualised against the town's social and physical environment, suggest a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. The daily crime count of 38, while substantial, should be viewed alongside the town's infrastructure, including its limited industrial zones and focus on tourism and education, which may influence crime patterns differently than more urban or industrial areas.