Cheltenham Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's crime rate in July 2023 stood at 11.0 per 1,000 residents, 32.5% above the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This marked a continuation of elevated crime levels compared to national benchmarks, reflecting patterns consistent with a major urban centre. Violence and sexual offences (397 incidents) and anti-social behaviour (271 incidents) dominated the crime profile, accounting for nearly 60% of all reported crimes. These figures align with Cheltenham's character as a tourist destination and university town, where high foot traffic and seasonal events contribute to specific crime trends. The area's retail presence, particularly in the town centre, likely fuels shoplifting rates (121 incidents), which are 67% above the UK average. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remains a pressing issue, with rates 55% higher than the national average. This surge may be linked to the summer season, when festivals and outdoor events draw larger crowds, potentially increasing opportunities for disorderly conduct. The data also highlights a shift in crime dynamics, with property crimes (505) outpacing violent crimes (397) for the first time this year. This could indicate a seasonal trend, as warmer weather and extended evenings may drive more outdoor activity, indirectly influencing crime patterns. The combination of tourism, student populations, and local events creates a unique crime profile that requires tailored analysis to understand its drivers and implications.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in July 2023 was the 114.3% surge in robbery, with incidents rising from 7 to 15. This increase, though relatively small in absolute terms, represents a stark shift and may be linked to the summer season, when festivals and night-time events create more isolated situations. Concurrently, burglary rose by 45% (60 to 87), potentially reflecting the absence of school holidays and increased foot traffic in residential areas during peak tourist season. Criminal damage and arson also increased by 32.9% (70 to 93), a figure that may be tied to the town's historic architecture and the prevalence of outdoor events, which could heighten risks of vandalism. Certain crime categories remained significantly above UK averages: anti-social behaviour (55% above), shoplifting (67% above), and burglary (112% above). These disparities suggest systemic factors, such as the concentration of retail and hospitality venues in the town centre, which may contribute to higher rates of public order offences and property crimes. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 62.5% (8 to 3), a decline that could indicate effective policing strategies or reduced tensions during the summer months. For residents, the 11.0 crime rate per 1,000 residents highlights a need for vigilance, particularly in areas with high tourist activity or during late-night events.

Cheltenham's crime rate in July 2023 (11.0 per 1,000) represented a 10.8% increase from the previous month's rate of 9.9 per 1,000, underscoring a rising trend that has persisted over recent months. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 43 crimes per day, a figure that, while contextually specific to Cheltenham, illustrates the frequency of incidents in a population of 121,739. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for every 91 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is higher than many comparable towns. This statistic, however, must be interpreted within the local context: Cheltenham's status as a tourist destination and university town inherently increases the number of potential victims and opportunities for crime. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that the town's crime rate is higher than the UK average, with property crimes and violent offences both contributing to this gap. While the previous month's rate was lower, the upward trajectory in July suggests that seasonal factors—such as the absence of school holidays and the influx of tourists—may be compounding existing challenges. For residents, these figures emphasize the importance of community awareness and targeted policing efforts, particularly in areas experiencing the most significant spikes, such as anti-social behaviour and burglary. The comparison to the UK average further highlights the need for localized strategies to address Cheltenham's unique crime dynamics.