Cheltenham Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham’s crime rate in May 2025 stood at 8.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 8.6% above the UK average of 8.1. This discrepancy, while modest, reflects a distinct local profile shaped by the town’s character as a market town with a strong retail and hospitality sector. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.7% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (22.7%) and shoplifting (14.5%). These figures align with the seasonal context of May, which typically sees extended evenings and increased foot traffic in Cheltenham’s high streets and leisure areas. The higher-than-average rate of anti-social behaviour—41% above the UK norm—may be linked to the town’s vibrant social scene and the influx of visitors during the spring season. Conversely, violence and sexual offences were 15% below the UK average, a contrast that could be explained by Cheltenham’s relatively lower density of nightlife venues compared to larger urban centres. Shoplifting’s 94% above-average rate further underscores the impact of retail activity, with the town’s historic shopping arcades and modern retail parks serving as focal points for opportunistic crime. These patterns suggest that Cheltenham’s crime profile is heavily influenced by its mix of tourism, commerce, and community life, factors that may require tailored policing strategies to address local vulnerabilities.

May 2025 witnessed a dramatic 600% surge in theft from the person, rising from one reported incident to seven. This sharp increase, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in criminal focus during the month’s longer evenings and increased outdoor activity. Simultaneously, possession of weapons doubled from four to eight incidents, a trend that may reflect heightened tensions in public spaces or changes in enforcement patterns. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 64.1%, dropping from 117 to 42 incidents—a decline that could be linked to reduced parking congestion or improved security measures in key areas. Shoplifting remained 94% above the UK average, with 155 incidents recorded, highlighting Cheltenham’s retail sector as a persistent target for opportunistic crime. These fluctuations underscore the combination of seasonal activity and local vulnerabilities, with some categories aligning closely with national trends while others diverge sharply.

Cheltenham's crime rate in May 2025 remained stable compared to April, falling slightly from 8.9 to 8.8 per 1,000 residents—a 1.6% decrease. This consistency suggests no major spikes or dips in overall criminal activity during the month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 35 reported crimes, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of activity without significant seasonal volatility. Over the course of May, one crime occurred for every 114 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Cheltenham within the broader UK context of urban and suburban crime dynamics. While the rate is slightly above the national average, the stability in monthly figures indicates that local policing efforts and community initiatives may be maintaining a consistent level of control. This figure also underscores that, for most residents, the likelihood of encountering crime remains relatively low, even as specific categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting show marked deviations from national trends.