Cheltenham Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's crime rate in October 2025 stood at 9.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 16.9% above the UK average of 7.7. This discrepancy highlights the area's distinct crime profile, shaped by its character as a market town with a mix of retail, tourism, and residential areas. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.1% of all crimes, a figure that, while slightly above the UK average for this category (2.7 per 1,000), is not statistically distinct when compared to national rates. Anti-social behaviour, however, emerged as a standout issue, contributing 23% of all reported crimes and sitting 67% above the UK average. This category's prominence may be linked to Cheltenham's status as a commuter hub and tourist destination, where transient populations and high foot traffic can exacerbate such incidents. Shoplifting also remained a concern, with rates 75% above the UK average, likely driven by the town's retail presence. The seasonal context of October—darker evenings, the start of the festive period, and the impact of clocks going back—may have influenced these trends, as extended nighttime hours can alter patterns of both criminal activity and policing visibility. While the overall rate remains elevated, the breakdown of crime types suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas prone to anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

Vehicle crime saw the largest month-on-month increase, rising 52.1% from 48 to 73 incidents. This jump coincides with seasonal factors, such as increased traffic during Halloween and the start of the festive period. Anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 23% of all reported crimes, remains significantly above the UK average by 67%, a persistent issue in Cheltenham's public spaces. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 50% to just two incidents, likely reflecting reduced foot traffic during October. Shoplifting also remains a concern, with rates 75% above the UK average. These figures suggest a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms, particularly in areas with high retail presence. Residents may find the drop in theft from the person a welcome but temporary reprieve.

Cheltenham's crime rate in October 2025 rose by 3.8% compared to September, moving from 8.7 to 9.0 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend aligns with seasonal patterns, as darker evenings and Halloween events may have influenced local activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 35 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the concentrated nature of incidents in a relatively small population. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 111 residents, a rate that highlights the proportion of the population affected by crime. When scaled to the area's population of 121,739, this monthly exposure underscores the need for community-focused policing strategies. The increase in vehicle crime and criminal damage suggests shifting patterns that may be linked to local infrastructure or seasonal events, though further analysis is required to confirm these connections.