Cheltenham Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's crime rate in October 2024 stood at 9.2 per 1,000 residents, 13.6% above the UK average of 8.1. This marked departure from national trends is most pronounced in bicycle theft, which was 150% above the UK rate, and anti-social behaviour, 47% above the national average. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (27.6% of total incidents) and anti-social behaviour (20.5%), both of which reflect the social dynamics of a major urban centre with a mix of retail and cultural attractions. The surge in shoplifting (11.4% of total crimes) aligns with seasonal factors, as Halloween and darker evenings may have increased opportunities for opportunistic theft. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of burglary (2.9% of total crimes) compared to the UK average suggests that residential areas may be better secured, though the 100% increase in vehicle crime highlights vulnerabilities in transport hubs and parking zones. October’s data also shows a 6% reduction in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average, linked to local policing strategies or community initiatives. These patterns, combined with the 150% national divergence in bicycle theft, indicate a need for tailored approaches to address specific local challenges while maintaining broader public safety efforts.

Vehicle crime surged by 100% in October, rising from 39 to 78 incidents. This jump, coupled with a 64.1% increase in shoplifting (78 to 128), suggests heightened activity in retail and transport hubs. Anti-social behaviour remains the second most common crime, with 229 incidents—47% above the UK average—highlighting ongoing challenges in public spaces. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell 38.5% (from 13 to 8), a decline that may reflect seasonal factors or targeted policing efforts. Bicycle theft, at 27 incidents, is 150% above the UK average, raising questions about local security measures in cycling corridors. These trends contrast with the 80% rise in robbery, which points to a combination of property and personal safety concerns. Residents may find the 100% increase in vehicle crime particularly concerning, as it directly impacts daily commutes and parking areas.

Cheltenham's crime rate in October 2024 rose 16.8% from 7.9 to 9.2 per 1,000 residents, marking the highest monthly rate since January 2024. This increase aligns with a shift in crime patterns, as property crimes now account for 39% of total incidents compared to 33% in September. Daily crime data reveals 36 reported incidents per day, a figure that translates to one crime for every 109 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is higher than the previous month’s 1-in-132 residents, reflecting a growing burden on local policing resources. With a population of 121,739, the area’s crime density underscores the need for targeted interventions, particularly in sectors where local rates diverge significantly from the UK average. The shift from violent to property crimes may partly explain the increased pressure on community safety initiatives, though seasonal factors like darker evenings and Halloween events likely contribute to the overall trend.