Cheltenham Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 10.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 28.8% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure positions the town as a notable outlier in the national crime profile, with several crime types significantly exceeding national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31.8% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.7%) and shoplifting (9.6%). These patterns align with Cheltenham's character as a tourist destination and a town with a strong retail presence, both of which may contribute to higher rates of violence and property-related crimes. The seasonal context of May—marked by longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—likely amplifies these trends, as evidenced by the sharp rise in shoplifting. While the overall crime rate is concerning, the data also reveals areas of divergence from the UK average, such as burglary (3% below UK average) and robbery (equal to UK average), suggesting that local factors may mitigate certain types of crime. The town's proximity to major transport links and its status as a market town with a vibrant high street likely play roles in shaping these patterns. However, the significant overperformance in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or where community cohesion is challenged. This month's statistics underscore the complexity of managing crime in a town that balances tourism, retail activity, and residential life, requiring a nuanced approach to policing and community engagement.

May 2023 saw a 57.9% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 76 to 120. This surge aligns with May's seasonal context of longer evenings and increased outdoor activity, which may contribute to retail-focused crimes. Possession of weapons also spiked by 83.3%, with reports rising from 6 to 11—a significant jump that warrants attention given the potential impact on public safety. Conversely, burglary fell by 11.4% (44 to 39), marking a rare decrease in property crime. Anti-social behaviour remained 58% above the UK average, underscoring persistent challenges in community management. Theft from the person dropped by 20% (5 to 4), a decline that may reflect heightened awareness or seasonal factors. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns in Cheltenham, with some categories defying national trends while others follow them closely.

Cheltenham's crime rate in May 2023 rose to 10.3 per 1,000 residents, an 11.8% increase from April's 9.2 per 1,000. This places the town 28.8% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a disparity that has persisted across multiple months. On a daily basis, the area experiences approximately 40 reported crimes, translating to one crime for every 97 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure is particularly relevant for residents, as it illustrates the frequency of incidents relative to population size. While the town's overall rate exceeds the national average, certain categories like burglary (3% below UK average) and robbery (equal to UK average) show more balanced performance. The population-scaled perspective highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where crime rates significantly outpace national benchmarks, such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.