Cheltenham Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

April 2025 marked a continuation of Cheltenham's position as a local authority with a crime rate 15.6% above the UK average, standing at 8.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. This figure reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining security despite the town's character as a historic spa town with a blend of residential, retail, and cultural hubs. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (25.9% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (22.9%), and shoplifting (12.6%). These patterns align with Cheltenham's mix of high-footfall areas, such as the town centre and Cheltenham Racecourse, which likely contribute to the prominence of public order and retail-related crimes. Seasonal factors in April—Easter holidays, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—may have influenced patterns, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour showing particular sensitivity to these conditions. Violence and sexual offences in Cheltenham (2.3 per 1,000) were 12% below the UK average, suggesting that local community initiatives or policing strategies may be effective in this category. However, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime remained starkly above national levels, with the latter at 163% above the UK average, pointing to vulnerabilities in areas with high vehicle density or transient populations. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in specific sectors while maintaining broader efforts to address systemic issues.

April 2025 saw significant month-on-month changes in Cheltenham's crime profile, with bicycle theft surging by 137.5% (from 8 to 19 incidents) and robbery increasing by 128.6% (from 7 to 16). These jumps, particularly in bicycle theft, may be linked to the Easter holiday period, when temporary residents or visitors might leave bikes unsecured in public areas. Conversely, theft from the person plummeted by 95.2% (from 21 to 1), reflecting heightened awareness or reduced foot traffic during the Easter break. Anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime remained high compared to UK averages, with anti-social behaviour at 58% above the national rate and vehicle crime 163% above. This suggests persistent challenges in managing public spaces, exacerbated by the town's tourism infrastructure and commuter traffic. A notable contrast emerged in drug-related offences, which were 26% below the UK average, hinting at effective local policies or lower prevalence in this category. Residents might find the 12.6% share of shoplifting incidents (137 cases) particularly relevant, as it highlights vulnerabilities in retail environments, especially during peak shopping periods.

Cheltenham's crime rate in April 2025 (8.9 per 1,000) represented a 7.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.6 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend despite remaining 15.6% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 36 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 112 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, is consistent with Cheltenham's demographic profile as a mid-sized town with a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics. The population context is critical here: with 121,739 residents, the town's crime rate translates to 1,087 total incidents, which must be evaluated against its infrastructure and community dynamics. For instance, the high rate of vehicle crime (1.0 per 1,000) may be partly explained by Cheltenham's proximity to major transport routes and the presence of commuter parking areas. While the overall rate has dipped slightly from March, the persistent elevation compared to the UK average underscores the need for sustained efforts to address systemic issues in specific crime categories.