Cheltenham Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 marked a significant rise in crime across Cheltenham, with an overall rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents—21.1% above the UK average of 7.1. This increase was driven by sharp spikes in violent crime and anti-social behaviour, which together accounted for over 50% of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, rose to 342 cases (32.7% of total crimes), 9% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 198 incidents (18.9% of total), was 70% higher than the national rate, likely exacerbated by the festive season’s social gatherings and public events. Shoplifting also saw a 25% decrease compared to November, though it remained 23% above the UK average, pointing to ongoing issues in retail areas. The seasonal context of December—marked by dark evenings, Christmas shopping, and the closure of some homes—may have contributed to the rise in certain crimes. For instance, the 500% increase in theft from the person aligns with the influx of tourists and the potential for crowded, high-traffic environments. While the town’s overall rate remained stable compared to the previous month, the breakdown of crime types reveals troubling trends that warrant vigilance. Cheltenham’s position as a market town with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist activity likely plays a role in shaping these patterns, as areas with high foot traffic and seasonal events become focal points for criminal activity. The data underscores the need for community awareness and targeted policing efforts during peak periods, ensuring that residents and visitors alike are informed and prepared to mitigate risks.

December 2024 saw a stark 500% increase in theft from the person, rising from 1 to 6 incidents. This surge, though small in absolute terms, reflects heightened vulnerability during the festive season when public spaces are crowded and attention is diverted. Vehicle crime also climbed by 35%, with 81 incidents reported—up from 60 in November. This aligns with seasonal patterns, as darker evenings and holiday-related travel may have increased opportunities for opportunistic theft. Burglary rates rose by 20.9%, with 52 incidents compared to 43 the previous month, potentially linked to empty homes over the Christmas period. Anti-social behaviour remained 70% above the UK average, with 198 incidents reported. This category’s dominance—accounting for 18.9% of total crimes—suggests ongoing challenges with public order, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during late-night hours. Meanwhile, robbery and other crime decreased by 33.3% and 28.0%, respectively, though these drops may be temporary and require continued monitoring.

Cheltenham's crime rate in December 2024 remained stable compared to November, with a 1.8% increase from 8.5 to 8.6 per 1,000 residents. While the monthly rate shows little change, the daily crime count reveals 34 crimes reported each day, underscoring the persistent pressure on local resources. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 116 residents, a figure that, when contextualised against the town’s population of 121,739, highlights the frequency of incidents within a relatively small community. This monthly exposure is higher than the UK average, which would be expected to be lower given the national rate of 7.1 per 1,000. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the sharp spikes in specific crime categories, such as theft from the person, which saw a 500% increase. This suggests that while broad trends have not shifted dramatically, targeted issues require closer attention from both residents and authorities.