Cheltenham Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's December 2025 crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents places it 20.0% above the UK average, a stark figure that demands attention. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category, accounted for 29.7% of all reported crimes, with 303 incidents recorded. This category, though slightly below the UK average per capita (2.6 per 1,000 vs 2.5 per 1,000), remains a critical concern for local authorities. Anti-social behaviour, at 212 incidents, was 83% above the UK average, a disparity that may be influenced by the town's mix of residential and commercial areas, where social interactions can escalate into disorder. Shoplifting, at 151 cases, was 111% above the UK average, a figure consistent with the presence of high-foot-traffic retail zones during the Christmas shopping peak. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, empty homes during holidays, and increased public gatherings—likely exacerbates these trends. While the overall crime rate shows a month-on-month decline, the distribution of crime types suggests that targeted interventions are needed to address the disproportionate rise in anti-social and retail-related offences. The combination of festive activities and the town's character as a tourist and retail hub may create conditions where certain crimes, such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, become more frequent.

December 2025 saw a notable 16.0% increase in other theft, rising from 50 to 58 incidents, a shift that may partly explain the overall rise in property crime. Concurrently, theft from the person rose by 14.3%, from 7 to 8 cases, suggesting heightened vulnerability in public spaces during the festive period. In contrast, burglary decreased by 26.8%, reflecting a 15-case drop, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 212 incidents, was 83% above the UK average, a figure that likely contributes to the area's elevated crime profile. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes increased by 11.1%, indicating a persistent challenge in addressing substance-related issues during the holiday season.

Cheltenham's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 8.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a 6.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.0 per 1,000. This decline, however, does not fully offset the 20.0% increase over the UK average. Daily crime statistics reveal 33 reported incidents per day in December, reflecting the persistent pressure on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 119 residents, a figure that underscores the ongoing need for community vigilance. While the overall rate shows a month-on-month reduction, the distribution of crime types remains skewed toward anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which are significantly higher than UK averages. This contrast highlights the unique challenges faced by Cheltenham compared to other areas, particularly in managing public order and retail crime during the festive season.