Cheltenham Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham’s crime rate in October 2024 stood at 9.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.6% above the UK average of 8.1. This marked a significant departure from the national trend, with local patterns revealing distinct regional characteristics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.6% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.5%) and shoplifting (11.4%). These figures suggest a combination of urban density and seasonal factors, as October’s shorter days and Halloween festivities may have contributed to increased public disorder. The town’s retail sector, a cornerstone of its economy, likely drives shoplifting rates, while its historic town centre—home to a mix of residents and visitors—may explain the prominence of anti-social behaviour. Bicycle theft in Cheltenham was 150% above the UK average, a stark outlier that may reflect the area’s cycling infrastructure and potential vulnerabilities in securing high-value bikes during darker evenings. This contrast with the UK-wide trend highlights the need to consider local demographics and geography when interpreting crime statistics. Seasonal shifts, such as the end of the university term and the approach of winter, may also influence patterns, though these remain speculative without further data. The overall rate, while elevated, does not necessarily indicate a worsening safety environment but rather a reflection of Cheltenham’s unique socio-economic profile.

October 2024 saw sharp increases in vehicle crime (+100%), robbery (+80%), and shoplifting (+64.1%) compared to September. These rises may be linked to the month’s darker evenings, which could deter natural surveillance and create opportunities for opportunistic crimes. Anti-social behaviour, at 20.5% of all crimes, remained 47% above the UK average, a persistent issue that may be exacerbated by the town’s mix of residential and commercial areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting surged to 1.1 per 1,000, 53% above the national average, a figure that could be partly explained by the high footfall in Cheltenham’s retail districts during the pre-Christmas shopping period. In contrast, possession of weapons fell by 38.5%, a decrease that may reflect targeted policing efforts or seasonal changes in activity. The most striking anomaly was bicycle theft, which reached 0.2 per 1,000—150% above the UK average. This could indicate a gap in local security measures for cyclists or an increase in high-value bike thefts during the autumn months. Residents may find the daily crime count of 36 incidents particularly concerning, as it underscores the frequency of reported crimes in a relatively small population of 121,739.

Cheltenham’s crime rate in October 2024 rose to 9.2 per 1,000, a 16.8% increase from the previous month’s rate of 7.9. This jump places the town’s monthly exposure at one reported crime for every 109 residents, a figure that may feel more tangible for local residents than abstract national averages. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 36 crimes per day, a rate that, while not extreme, suggests a consistently active crime environment. When scaled to the population, this means that over the course of the month, each resident had a roughly 1-in-109 chance of being directly affected by a reported crime—a statistic that, while not indicating individual risk, highlights the collective impact of crime on the community. This rate is higher than the UK average, yet the nature of crimes in Cheltenham differs significantly from national patterns. For instance, while the UK sees higher rates of burglary and violent crime, Cheltenham’s elevated anti-social behaviour and shoplifting figures suggest a different set of challenges. These differences may stem from the town’s unique blend of tourism, retail, and residential areas, which create distinct opportunities for certain types of crime. The comparison also underscores the importance of localised strategies in addressing crime, as national averages can obscure regional variations that require tailored responses.