Cheltenham Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's September 2023 crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents placed the area 11.3% above the UK average, a figure that highlights the town's distinct crime profile. The balance between property and violent crimes revealed a nuanced picture: while property crimes (406 incidents) narrowly outpaced violent crimes (350 incidents), the distribution of these categories was far from uniform. Violence and sexual offences dominated the violent crime category, accounting for 32.3% of all reported crimes, while anti-social behaviour (16.5%) and shoplifting (10.3%) were the most frequent property-related offences. This pattern may be partly explained by Cheltenham's status as a university town, where transient populations and concentrated retail areas could drive both anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students and the draw of autumn evenings—likely contributed to the prominence of violence and public order offences. Meanwhile, the starkly elevated rates for shoplifting (61% above UK average) and bicycle theft (300% above UK average) suggest underlying vulnerabilities in retail security and cycling infrastructure. These figures contrast with lower-than-average rates for other theft and vehicle crime, which may reflect effective local policing or the relatively low density of car parks in residential areas. The overall rate, though above the UK average, was tempered by the month-on-month decline from August, indicating a potential stabilization in crime trends. However, the persistence of certain categories well above UK norms underscores the need for targeted interventions in retail zones and student accommodation areas.

September 2023 saw sharp increases in theft from the person (+350%) and bicycle theft (+113%), potentially linked to the start of the academic year and freshers' week. These spikes contrast with declines in burglary (-48.3%) and possession of weapons (-57.1%), suggesting seasonal shifts in criminal activity. The balance between property and violent crimes tilted slightly toward property offences, with shoplifting and criminal damage and arson both exceeding UK averages by over 60%. Bicycle theft in Cheltenham was 300% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect the town's student population and the prevalence of cycling as a transport mode. Meanwhile, violent crimes, though still significant (350 incidents), were 6% above the UK average, indicating a need for focused efforts in addressing public order and anti-social behaviour. The month-on-month decrease in overall crime, combined with these stark contrasts in specific categories, underscores the complexity of Cheltenham's crime profile.

Cheltenham's September 2023 crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents marked a 7.7% decline from the previous month's rate of 9.6, reflecting a slight but notable downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 36 reported crimes, a figure that translates to a local monthly exposure of one crime for roughly every 112 residents. This rate, while above the UK average, is tempered by the reduction from September 2023 to the prior month. The population context further underscores the scale: with 121,739 residents, the 1,083 recorded crimes represent a manageable but consistent challenge for local authorities. The decline in burglary (-48.3%) and possession of weapons (-57.1%) suggests potential effectiveness in targeted interventions or seasonal factors, such as the transition from summer to autumn. However, the persistent gap between Cheltenham's rate and the UK average—now 11.3% higher—highlights the need for continued vigilance, particularly in areas where property crimes remain elevated.