Cheltenham Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 marked a troubling chapter in Cheltenham's crime history, with the area's overall crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents placing it 21.1% above the UK average. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics, with the festive period's unique pressures likely amplifying existing vulnerabilities. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.7% of all crimes, a category that itself sits 9% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 18.9% of total incidents, emerged as the second most common crime type, with rates 70% higher than national averages. These figures may be partially explained by the area's character as a market town with a mix of retail activity and residential zones, where high foot traffic during Christmas shopping periods could contribute to both anti-social behaviour and violent incidents. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, holiday-related disruptions, and the presence of empty homes during the festive season—likely plays a role in the elevated crime rates. Shoplifting, though down 25% from November, still remained 23% above the UK average, highlighting persistent challenges in retail security. The data suggests a need for targeted interventions during peak periods, as the combination of local factors and seasonal trends appears to create an environment where crime can escalate rapidly.

December 2024 saw a 500% increase in theft from the person, with incidents rising from one to six. This sharp jump, though small in absolute terms, signals a concerning trend that may partly explain the overall rise in violent crime. Vehicle crime also increased by 35%, climbing from 60 to 81 incidents, a figure 75% above the UK average. This spike aligns with seasonal patterns, as dark evenings and holiday-related vehicle movements likely contribute to the rise. Anti-social behaviour remained 70% above the UK average, with 198 incidents reported. Bicycle theft surged 300% above the UK average, reflecting a stark anomaly that could point to vulnerabilities in local security measures or increased targeting of cyclists during the festive season. Meanwhile, robbery decreased by 33.3%, with incidents dropping from nine to six, offering a rare positive trend in the month's crime statistics.

Cheltenham's crime rate in December 2024 remained stable at 8.5 per 1,000 compared to the previous month, showing a 1.8% change. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity over the past month. However, daily crime statistics reveal a localised intensity: 34 crimes were reported each day, translating to one crime for every 116 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure underscores the frequency of incidents within the population. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, Cheltenham's crime rate remains higher than the UK average, though the month-on-month stability indicates that the area's crime profile has not experienced a sudden surge or decline. The absence of significant fluctuations contrasts with the sharp increases observed in specific crime categories, which will be explored in the highlights section.