Cheltenham Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's crime rate in July 2024 stood at 8.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 1.2% above the UK average of 8.4. This slight edge over the national benchmark reflects a combination of local dynamics and seasonal factors. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (29.6% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (24.2%), both of which are consistent with the area's character as a tourist destination and university town. July, a peak summer month with extended daylight hours and numerous festivals, likely contributed to higher levels of public interaction and associated risks. Violence and sexual offences, though slightly below the UK average for this category (2.9 per 1,000), remain a significant concern, particularly in areas with high foot traffic such as the town centre. Anti-social behaviour, however, far outpaces the UK average (1.4 per 1,000), with Cheltenham recording 2.1 per 1,000. This could be linked to the town's vibrant social scene and the influx of visitors during the summer months. Shoplifting, which constitutes 8.4% of crimes, saw a notable decline, possibly due to targeted policing efforts or changes in consumer habits. The overall crime profile suggests a need for continued focus on managing public spaces during peak tourist periods, while also addressing underlying factors that contribute to anti-social behaviour.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in July 2024 was a 75% rise in theft from the person, increasing from four to seven incidents. This spike, while small in absolute terms, highlights a potential vulnerability during the summer tourist season, when foot traffic in high-traffic areas may create opportunities for opportunistic crimes. Concurrently, drug-related offences rose by 31.6%, moving from 19 to 25 cases, a trend that may reflect seasonal shifts in substance use patterns. Burglary also increased by 28.6%, with 28 incidents in June rising to 36 in July, linked to prolonged summer evenings and increased property visibility in residential areas. In contrast, shoplifting fell by 19.4%, dropping from 108 to 87, a decline that may be attributed to heightened policing in retail zones or changes in consumer behaviour during festivals. Anti-social behaviour remained significantly above the UK average, with 24.2% of all crimes falling into this category, a figure that could be tied to the town's vibrant cultural calendar and extended public hours during July.

Cheltenham's crime rate in July 2024 rose by 2.9% compared to June, moving from 8.3 to 8.5 per 1,000 residents. This places the area 1.2% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the town recorded an average of 34 crimes per day during July, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in local communities. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 117 residents, a metric that highlights the frequency of incidents in a population of 121,739. This monthly exposure rate, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for continued vigilance, particularly given the seasonal factors influencing crime patterns. The increase in the overall rate aligns with broader UK trends during peak summer months, where tourism and outdoor events often correlate with shifts in criminal activity.