Cheltenham Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's June 2023 crime profile reveals a combination of public order issues and property-related offences, shaped by the town's dual role as a tourist destination and academic hub. With a crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents—16.5% above the UK average—the area's crime mix underscores challenges tied to its character. Violence and sexual offences dominate, accounting for 31.4% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.7%) and public order violations (8.8%). These figures suggest a town where social interactions in public spaces, such as the high street or popular nightlife areas, contribute to higher rates of disorderly conduct. The prevalence of shoplifting (7.6%) and burglary (5.0%) further reflects the presence of retail hubs and residential areas that attract both tourists and opportunistic offenders. Seasonal factors likely play a role: June marks the beginning of summer, a time when tourism increases, and outdoor activity expands, potentially influencing crime dynamics. The spike in anti-social behaviour, 42% above the UK average, may be exacerbated by the convergence of university students and seasonal visitors, creating environments where noise complaints, public intoxication, and other disturbances are more common. Meanwhile, the higher-than-average rates for vehicle crime (49% above UK) and shoplifting (48% above UK) align with Cheltenham's retail and transportation infrastructure, which includes major roads and shopping districts. The data also highlights a contrast in property crime trends: while burglary and shoplifting rise, criminal damage and arson fall, due to warmer weather reducing the likelihood of fire-related incidents or increased community vigilance. This balance of crime types—leaning toward interpersonal and public order issues rather than violent crimes—illustrates a town where social and economic factors intersect to shape the local crime profile.

June 2023 saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with bicycle theft surging by 75% to 28 incidents—a sharp rise that may reflect increased cycling during summer or targeted thefts in university areas. Burglary also rose by 53.8%, reaching 60 cases, which could be linked to the town's mix of residential and commercial properties. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 27.8% to 70 incidents, due to reduced vandalism during warmer weather or improved community engagement. Anti-social behaviour remains a striking outlier, with 250 incidents—42% above the UK average—and violence and sexual offences at 379 cases, 6% above the national rate. These figures highlight a crime mix skewed toward public order issues, suggesting a need for focused interventions in high-traffic areas. For residents, the sharp increase in bicycle theft underscores the importance of securing personal property, particularly in zones frequented by students and commuters.

Cheltenham's June 2023 crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 3.4% decline from May's 10.3 per 1,000. While this reduction is notable, the rate remains 16.5% above the UK average of 8.5. On a daily basis, 40 crimes were reported across the district, reflecting the persistent pace of criminal activity in a town with a population of 121,739. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 101 residents, a statistic that underscores the frequency of incidents in a community where tourism, university presence, and retail activity intersect. This monthly exposure is consistent with Cheltenham's character as a mixed-use area where seasonal fluctuations—such as the start of summer—can influence both the volume and type of crime reported. The decrease from May may partly reflect the settling of school holidays or the shift in public activity patterns as the weather warmed, though the overall rate remains elevated compared to the national average.