Cheltenham Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's crime rate in December 2025 reached 8.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a 20% increase above the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a concerning trend, with violent crimes and property-related offences dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 29.7% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.7%) and shoplifting (14.8%). The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the temporary absence of residents during holidays—likely contributes to the elevated crime rate. Anti-social behaviour, in particular, was 83% above the UK average, a figure that may be linked to the town's mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where public spaces are more densely used. Shoplifting also surged, with rates 111% above the national average, possibly driven by increased foot traffic in retail zones during the festive season. While the overall crime rate is higher than the UK average, the breakdown reveals that violent crimes are slightly lower than the national rate, with violence and sexual offences at 2.5 per 1,000 compared to the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This nuanced picture suggests that while some crime categories are worsening, others show relative stability. The data also highlights that certain types of crime, such as drugs-related offences, are lower than the UK average, reflecting local initiatives or demographic factors. However, the significant rise in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting underscores the need for targeted interventions, particularly during peak retail periods. As the month progresses into the new year, local authorities and residents must remain vigilant to address these emerging challenges.

December 2025 saw notable increases in other theft (+16.0%) and theft from the person (+14.3%), raising concerns for residents. These rises, alongside an 111% surge in shoplifting compared to the UK average, indicate heightened vulnerability in certain areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.7 per 1,000, was 83% above the UK average, a figure that may partly explain the overall elevation in the area's crime rate. Conversely, burglary decreased by 26.8% and possession of weapons fell by 33.3%, offering some positive developments. The spike in theft-related crimes during the Christmas shopping peak and dark evenings could be consistent with seasonal patterns, though local factors such as retail activity may also contribute. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during late-night hours.

Cheltenham's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 8.4 per 1,000 residents, a 6.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.0 per 1,000. This monthly decline contrasts with the overall 20% elevation above the UK average, highlighting a combination of local and national trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 33 crimes per day, translating to one reported crime for every 119 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure underscores the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population, though the rate remains lower than some urban counterparts. The population context further reveals that Cheltenham's 121,739 residents face a crime profile that diverges from the UK average in several key categories, such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which are higher. These statistics suggest that while the month-on-month decline offers some reassurance, the area's unique crime patterns warrant continued attention from residents and local authorities.