Cheltenham Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 saw Cheltenham's overall crime rate at 8.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 5.2% above the UK average of 7.7. The area's crime profile reflects a mix of urban and suburban characteristics, with violence and sexual offences (28.5% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (22.9%) dominating the landscape. This pattern aligns with Cheltenham's role as a market town with a vibrant high street and regular public events, which may contribute to higher levels of anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, the relatively low burglary rate (3.4% of crimes) suggests effective community policing or secure housing stock. Seasonal factors also played a role, with the Easter period and spring weather likely increasing outdoor activity and associated risks. Violence and sexual offences, while 10% below the UK average for this category, remain a significant concern, possibly linked to late-night activity in the town's retail and hospitality zones. The data illustrates a combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and policing strategies, with no single factor explaining the full picture.

April 2024 brought notable shifts in Cheltenham's crime trends. Vehicle crime surged by 25%, rising from 60 to 75 incidents, potentially linked to increased Easter-related traffic or vehicle thefts during holiday periods. Conversely, theft from the person plummeted by 80%, from 30 to 6 cases—a stark contrast that may reflect reduced pedestrian activity or enhanced security measures in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour remained a persistent issue, with rates 56% above the UK average, a figure that could be attributed to the town's mix of residential and commercial areas. Meanwhile, bicycle theft fell sharply by 72% (25 to 7), due to seasonal variations in cycling activity or improved bike security initiatives. The data also shows a 13.3% increase in burglary, though this remains below the UK average. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, with some categories responding strongly to seasonal changes while others remain more stable.

Cheltenham's crime rate in April 2024 (8.1 per 1,000) represents an 18.5% decline from the previous month's rate of 10.0, indicating a measurable improvement in local safety. This reduction translates to roughly 33 crimes reported per day, a figure that, while significant, is lower than the peak recorded in March. On a population-scaled basis, the monthly exposure of 1 crime for every 123 residents provides context for residents: over the course of April, a typical Cheltenham resident had a 0.8% chance of being directly affected by crime. This rate is lower than the 1.2% exposure in March, suggesting that the drop in violent crime (from 3.3% to 2.8% of total crimes) may have had a substantial impact. However, the area still faces challenges in certain categories, such as anti-social behaviour, which remains 56% above the UK average. These comparisons underscore the importance of sustained policing efforts and community engagement to address persistent issues while building on the recent downward trend.