Cheltenham Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a town with 121,739 residents, 914 crimes reported in February 2025 equate to 7.5 incidents per 1,000 people — a rate 11.9% higher than the UK average of 6.7. This figure translates to one crime occurring for roughly every 133 residents over the course of the month. The data reveals a distinct pattern: violence and sexual offences (273 incidents, 29.9% of total) and anti-social behaviour (186 incidents, 20.4%) dominate the crime picture, with both categories showing notable disparities compared to national trends. Violence and sexual offences, while down 14.4% from January, remain the most common category, a trend consistent with Cheltenham’s character as a mixed-use town with a significant student population and a bustling high street. Anti-social behaviour, however, stands out as 55% above the UK average, likely reflecting the social dynamics of a town with a strong retail and hospitality sector. Shoplifting (88 incidents, 9.6%) and public order offences (66 incidents, 7.2%) also exceed national averages, pointing to the influence of foot traffic in commercial areas. Seasonally, February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have contributed to reduced property crime rates, though the overall volume remains elevated compared to the UK context.

February 2025 saw a 6.1% decrease in the overall crime rate compared to January, dropping from 8.0 to 7.5 per 1,000 residents. This decline, however, masks significant shifts in crime types: violence and sexual offences fell by 14.4% (from 319 to 273), while anti-social behaviour remained high at 55% above the UK average. The most striking change was the 36.4% drop in robbery incidents, from 11 to 7, a reduction that may reflect heightened police presence or seasonal factors. Conversely, 'other crime' increased by 8.7%, suggesting unclassified or emerging issues warranting further attention. Bicycle theft in Cheltenham was 300% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 20% below national levels for drug-related offences. This divergence highlights the town’s unique challenges, with high foot traffic in tourist and student areas likely driving theft from bicycles, while lower drug crime rates may align with Cheltenham’s reputation as a relatively low-risk town compared to larger urban centres.

Cheltenham’s crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 in February 2025 represents a 6.1% decrease from January’s 8.0, marking a modest improvement despite the overall rate remaining above the UK average. Daily crime statistics reveal 33 incidents per day in February, a figure that, while not uncommon for a town of Cheltenham’s size, underscores the persistent need for community vigilance. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure of one crime per 133 residents provides context for residents: over the course of the month, the likelihood of encountering a reported crime is roughly 0.75%. This perspective, however, does not account for unreported incidents or variations in police reporting practices. Compared to the UK average, Cheltenham’s anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates are elevated, suggesting that local factors — such as the town’s compact layout and high street activity — may contribute to these trends. The decline in robbery and theft from the person, meanwhile, aligns with seasonal patterns, as colder weather and reduced night-time activity in February likely deter such crimes. These comparisons highlight the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to Cheltenham’s specific demographic and geographic context.