Cheltenham Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's overall crime rate in July 2024 stood at 8.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.2% above the UK average of 8.4. This slight elevation reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 29.6% of all recorded crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (24.2%) and shoplifting (8.4%). The summer months typically see heightened activity in Cheltenham, a market town with a strong tourism sector, where festivals and events draw large crowds. This context may partly explain the persistent presence of anti-social behaviour, which is 45% above the UK average for this category. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates dipped slightly compared to previous months, possibly reflecting increased police visibility during major events. The town's retail presence, concentrated in areas like The Maltings and Cheltenham High Street, continues to shape property crime trends, though the overall rate for shoplifting remains just 3% above the national average. Violent crime, however, is 12% below the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by Cheltenham's relatively low population density and the absence of major nightlife hubs typically associated with higher rates of assault. As the summer season progresses, the interplay between tourism, local events, and policing strategies will likely continue to shape the crime profile for the remainder of the year.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift in July 2024 was a 75% increase in theft from the person, with incidents rising from 4 to 7. This jump, though still modest in absolute terms, stands out as the largest single-category change compared to June. The rise coincides with the height of the summer tourist season, when Cheltenham's historic sites and open-air events attract large numbers of visitors. While no direct causal link can be established, the increase may reflect greater opportunities for opportunistic theft in crowded areas. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 19.4% (from 108 to 87), a decline that could be linked to enhanced security measures during major festivals like the Cheltenham Festival, which runs through late July. Anti-social behaviour remained high compared to the UK average, with 251 incidents recorded—45% above the national rate for this category. This figure is particularly notable given Cheltenham's status as a tourist destination, where transient populations may contribute to transient antisocial incidents. Violent crime, however, showed a more positive trend, remaining 12% below the UK average at 2.5 per 1,000 residents. This may reflect the town's demographic profile, with fewer late-night venues and a strong presence of educational institutions that contribute to a more stable community environment.

July 2024 saw Cheltenham's crime rate rise 2.9% from June's 8.3 per 1,000 residents, marking the first monthly increase since March. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 34 crimes per day—equivalent to roughly one crime for every 117 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure provides a useful benchmark for residents, illustrating that while the rate is above average, the likelihood of any individual being directly affected remains relatively low. When compared to the UK average, Cheltenham's overall rate of 8.5 per 1,000 is just 1.2% higher, a narrow margin that underscores the town's generally stable crime profile. The population context is also revealing: with 121,739 residents, the 1,039 total crimes recorded in July represent a manageable proportion of the population. This scale is particularly important for local authorities, as it suggests that targeted policing initiatives—such as those focused on anti-social behaviour or shoplifting—can have a measurable impact. The comparison to the previous month also highlights the importance of seasonal trends, with the summer months typically seeing fluctuations in crime types that reflect both increased foot traffic and the specific nature of local events.