Cheltenham Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2024, Cheltenham recorded 988 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 8.1 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the town 14.1% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, highlighting a need for continued attention to local crime management. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.3% of all incidents (319 cases) with a rate of 2.6 per 1,000. This was closely followed by anti-social behaviour, which represented 22.2% of total crimes (219 cases) and stood at 1.8 per 1,000 – 71% above the UK average. The third most common category was public order offences, contributing 8.1% of the total (80 cases) at a rate of 0.7 per 1,000. This seasonal pattern aligns with typical winter trends, where reduced outdoor activity and increased indoor gatherings may contribute to higher levels of anti-social behaviour and violence. The town's unique character as a spa town with a mix of tourist attractions and residential areas likely influences these patterns, with high foot traffic in central areas potentially driving certain types of crime. However, the data also shows some positive trends, such as a 33.3% drop in theft from the person incidents, which may reflect improved security measures or public awareness campaigns. These findings underscore the importance of tailored policing strategies that account for both the town's specific demographics and the seasonal nature of certain crime types.

February 2024 saw notable fluctuations in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour surging by 23.7% compared to January, reaching 219 incidents. This increase may be linked to the town's vibrant cultural calendar, which includes events that draw larger crowds to public spaces. Conversely, vehicle crime fell sharply by 45.7%, from 81 to 44 incidents, possibly reflecting reduced car usage during colder weather or increased parking security measures. Among specific crime types, bicycle theft in Cheltenham was 233% above the UK average, an anomaly that could be attributed to the town's growing cycling infrastructure and commuter population. The data also reveals a 33.3% rise in robbery incidents, which may warrant closer examination in relation to local retail dynamics. These shifts illustrate the combination of seasonal factors and community-specific characteristics in shaping crime trends.

Cheltenham's crime rate in February 2024 stood at 8.1 per 1,000 residents, a 13.2% decrease from the previous month's 9.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns observed in similar towns during late winter, when reduced outdoor activity and shorter daylight hours may dampen opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 34 crimes each day in February, translating to a monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for every 123 residents. This figure provides a tangible sense of risk for local residents, though it remains important to contextualise it within the broader UK landscape. With a population of 121,739, the 988 total crimes reported represent a relatively high volume compared to the UK average, but the monthly decline suggests some degree of stability in the area's crime profile. The shift from the prior month's rate may reflect temporary factors such as seasonal transitions or changes in community engagement with local policing initiatives.