Cheltenham Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 121,739 residents, Cheltenham recorded 988 crimes in February 2024, equating to 8.1 crimes per 1,000 people. This rate places the area 14.1% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, reflecting a consistent pattern of elevated crime levels compared to national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (22.2%) and public order offences (8.1%). These figures align with Cheltenham's character as a mid-sized town with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where retail and leisure hubs may contribute to higher rates of anti-social and public order incidents. The seasonal context of February—marked by reduced outdoor activity and colder weather—may partly explain the relatively low proportion of property crimes compared to other months. However, the persistent elevation of violent crime compared to UK averages suggests broader social or environmental factors at play, such as the town's proximity to major transport routes or its status as a destination for transient populations. While property crime rates remain below the UK average for certain categories (e.g. vehicle crime), the overall crime profile indicates a need for targeted interventions in high-impact areas.

February 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends compared to January, with robbery incidents rising by 33.3% (from 6 to 8 cases) and anti-social behaviour increasing by 23.7% (from 177 to 219). These increases may reflect the transition from winter holidays to the start of the academic year, which can heighten tensions in shared spaces. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 45.7% (from 81 to 44), potentially linked to reduced foot traffic and fewer opportunities for opportunistic theft during colder months. Anti-social behaviour remains starkly above the UK average, with rates 71% higher than the national figure, underscoring a persistent challenge in managing public conduct in Cheltenham's town centre and residential areas. Bicycle theft, meanwhile, was 233% above the UK average, a figure that may be explained by the town's growing cycling infrastructure and the associated risks of theft in less monitored parking areas. Residents should note that while overall crime rates have declined slightly compared to the previous month, specific categories—particularly anti-social behaviour and violence—require continued attention.

Cheltenham's crime rate in February 2024 (8.1 per 1,000) marked a 13.2% decrease from January's rate of 9.4 per 1,000, reflecting a modest but measurable downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 34 crimes per day, a figure that, while not uncommon for a town of Cheltenham's size, highlights the ongoing need for community-focused crime prevention strategies. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for every 123 residents over the course of the month—a statistic that may resonate differently with locals depending on their perception of safety in specific neighbourhoods. Compared to the UK average, Cheltenham's elevated rates in categories like anti-social behaviour and violence suggest a unique local context, possibly influenced by the town's role as a regional hub for education and tourism. While the overall rate remains above the national average, the month-on-month decline indicates that targeted efforts—such as increased policing in high-traffic areas or community engagement initiatives—may be yielding some positive outcomes. However, the disparity in crime types compared to the UK average underscores the importance of tailoring interventions to Cheltenham's specific needs rather than relying on generic national strategies.