Cheltenham Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham’s crime rate in May 2024 stood at 8.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 4.8% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This slight deviation from the national trend underscores the town’s unique crime profile, shaped by its character as a historic spa town with a mix of residential, retail, and educational spaces. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 28.7% of all crimes, followed closely by anti-social behaviour (28.1%) and shoplifting (8.5%). These figures align with seasonal patterns in May, where longer evenings and increased outdoor activity may contribute to higher incidents of public order and violent crime. The town’s retail presence, particularly in areas like High Street, likely drives shoplifting rates, while its status as a commuter hub and home to the University of Gloucestershire could explain the prevalence of anti-social behaviour in shared living spaces. However, the data also reveals inconsistencies: while property crimes (329) outnumbered violent crimes (306), the proportion of violent offences was lower than the UK average. This may reflect effective policing in high-risk areas or a demographic shift in reported incidents. The seasonal context of May — with bank holidays and extended daylight hours — further complicates the picture, as these factors can influence both crime patterns and reporting rates. For instance, the 25% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average may be linked to increased foot traffic during weekends and holidays, while the 150% rise in bicycle theft could signal a surge in cycling activity as temperatures improve. These trends, while notable, remain within a broader framework of local and national dynamics that require ongoing analysis to fully understand.

May 2024 saw a dramatic 285.7% increase in bicycle theft, with incidents rising from seven to 27. This spike may partly explain the broader rise in violent and property crimes, as longer evenings and outdoor socialising could contribute to heightened activity. Anti-social behaviour remained a significant concern, with rates 72% above the UK average — a persistent issue likely tied to the town’s mix of urban and semi-rural environments. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes fell by 54.2%, dropping from 24 to 11, reflecting seasonal shifts or targeted policing efforts. The sharp rise in 'other crime' (up 188.9%) suggests a growing complexity in reported incidents, which may include unclassified or emerging categories not yet fully captured by standard metrics. Residents may find the 35.4% increase in public order offences, such as noise disputes or drunkenness, particularly relevant as they align with May’s bank holidays and increased foot traffic in public spaces.

Cheltenham's crime rate in May 2024 rose to 8.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 7.8% increase from the previous month’s 8.1 per 1,000. This places the area slightly above the UK average. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately 34 crimes per day in May, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of activity and population density. When considering monthly exposure, one crime occurred for every 114 residents over the course of the month — a ratio that contextualises the scale of incidents within the community. With a population of 121,739, this translates to a manageable frequency relative to the size of the area. However, the upward trend from April to May suggests a need to monitor patterns, particularly as seasonal factors like extended evenings and increased socialising may influence crime dynamics in the coming months.