Cheltenham Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's January 2024 crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents places it 27% above the UK average, a figure that translates to an individual risk of encountering a crime roughly once every 107 residents over the course of the month. This rate, while higher than national benchmarks, must be contextualised within the town's characteristics as a mix of urban and semi-rural areas with a strong retail and educational presence. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 29.4% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.6%) and shoplifting (10.3%). These patterns may be influenced by Cheltenham's status as a tourist destination, where retail spaces and public areas are frequently used, potentially increasing opportunities for property-related crimes. Seasonal factors also play a role: January's post-holiday period, shorter daylight hours, and reduced footfall in commercial zones may have contributed to a shift in criminal activity towards more discreet or targeted offences. For example, the significant rise in anti-social behaviour (52% above UK average) could reflect the pressures of a transient population or the impact of colder weather on community interactions. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates being 75% above the UK average may highlight vulnerabilities in high-street environments, particularly during periods of reduced retail activity. These findings suggest that while Cheltenham's overall crime rate is higher than the national average, the local context—shaped by its demographics and geography—provides a more nuanced understanding of the risks faced by residents.

January 2024 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, including a 100% rise in robbery cases (from 3 to 6 incidents) and a 58.8% surge in vehicle crime (from 51 to 81). These spikes may be linked to post-holiday travel patterns or seasonal shifts in criminal activity. Conversely, possession of weapons dropped by 40% (from 5 to 3), a decline that could reflect targeted policing efforts or reduced public gatherings during colder weather. Anti-social behaviour remained 52% above the UK average, with 177 incidents reported—a figure that may be influenced by the town's mix of residential and commercial areas. The breakdown also reveals shoplifting rates at 75% above the UK average, a trend consistent with Cheltenham's retail presence and potential vulnerabilities in high-traffic zones. For residents, the 5.2% month-on-month increase in overall crime rate serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in public spaces.

Cheltenham's January 2024 crime rate (9.4 per 1,000 residents) marked a 5.2% increase from December 2023's 8.9 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend in reported incidents. This rise translates to 37 crimes reported daily on average, a figure that, while not uncommon for an urban centre, underscores the need for sustained community engagement. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 107 residents—a ratio that, when contextualised against Cheltenham's population of 121,739, illustrates the scale of exposure for individuals living in the area. The local rate remains significantly higher than the UK average, though this comparison is not directly relevant to daily life in Cheltenham. Instead, the focus should remain on the local patterns: for instance, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates that are 52% and 75% above UK averages, respectively, may partly explain the increased pressure on local policing and community support networks.