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 discrepancy, while significant, is not uniform across crime categories. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31.8% of all incidents, with 397 cases reported, a rate of 3.3 per 1,000 that is 19% above the national average. Anti-social behaviour, at 259 incidents, dominated the breakdown with 20.7% of total crimes, a figure 58% higher than the UK average. These patterns may be influenced by Cheltenham’s character as a town with a mix of historic and modern districts, where social activity in public spaces could contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Shoplifting, at 120 cases (9.6% of total crimes), also rose sharply, with a rate of 1.0 per 1,000 that is 104% above the UK average. This surge may be linked to May’s longer evenings and the presence of high streets and tourist attractions, which can create opportunities for retail crime. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and increased outdoor activity—likely plays a role in these trends, as extended social hours and warmer weather may drive more foot traffic and associated incidents. While violent crime remains a concern, property-related offences like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour appear to be the most pressing issues, requiring targeted interventions that address both environmental and social factors.

May 2023 witnessed notable fluctuations in Cheltenham’s crime profile. Shoplifting surged by 57.9%, rising from 76 to 120 incidents, a jump that may partly explain the town’s elevated property crime rate. This increase aligns with May’s longer evenings and bank holidays, which likely spurred more foot traffic in retail areas. Conversely, robbery and theft from the person both declined, with robbery dropping 25% to 6 incidents and theft from the person falling by 20% to 4. These decreases could reflect heightened police presence or seasonal shifts in criminal activity. Anti-social behaviour, at 259 incidents, remained 58% above the UK average, a persistent issue that may be linked to Cheltenham’s social hubs and events. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose sharply by 83.3%, from 6 to 11 cases, a trend that deserves closer attention given its potential ties to local disputes or alcohol-related incidents.

Cheltenham’s crime rate in May 2023 rose to 10.3 per 1,000 residents, marking an 11.8% increase from the previous month’s 9.2 per 1,000. This shift places the area significantly above the UK average, with a 28.8% gap between local and national rates. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately 40 crimes each day, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 97 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not extreme, highlights the need for ongoing awareness. The population context further illustrates the scale: with 121,739 residents, the 1,250 total crimes represent a proportion that could be influenced by local factors such as social activity patterns or specific community vulnerabilities. This rate, when compared to the UK average, suggests that Cheltenham’s policing and community strategies may require tailored adjustments to address the disparity effectively.