Cheltenham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Cheltenham's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 8.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 20.6% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure translates to a daily risk of approximately 32 crimes per 1,000 residents, though the seasonal context of January—post-holiday lull and shorter daylight hours—may partly explain the distribution of crime types. Violence and sexual offences (309 incidents) accounted for 30.8% of all crimes, closely followed by anti-social behaviour (214 incidents) and shoplifting (121 incidents). The prominence of violent crime may reflect the town's status as a commuter hub, where transient populations and late-night transport links could contribute to higher incidents of assault and disorder. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.8 per 1,000 residents, was 94% above the UK average, a disparity that likely stems from Cheltenham's mix of urban and suburban environments, where public spaces are frequently used by both residents and visitors. Shoplifting rates, 75% above the national average, could be linked to the town's retail presence, with high streets and shopping centres attracting both local and tourist foot traffic. These patterns highlight the need for targeted policing strategies that address both immediate public safety concerns and long-term community engagement, particularly in areas where crime rates deviate significantly from national trends.

January 2026 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Burglary increased by 31.7% compared to December, reaching 54 incidents—likely influenced by colder weather driving more indoor activities. Other crime, including vandalism and disorder, surged by 44.4%, with 26 reported incidents, reflecting a shift in criminal focus during the post-holiday period. Conversely, robbery and theft from the person dropped sharply by 64.3% and 62.5% respectively, possibly due to reduced foot traffic in retail areas during January. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime, at 214 incidents, 94% above the UK average, suggesting ongoing challenges in managing public spaces. These trends underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, particularly where shoplifting rates are 75% above national levels.

Cheltenham's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 8.2 per 1,000 residents, a 1.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.4. This slight decline suggests consistent policing efforts or seasonal factors mitigating crime during the post-holiday period. Daily crime activity averaged 32 incidents, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 121 residents over the course of the month. While this figure aligns with typical January patterns—shorter days and reduced retail footfall—Cheltenham's rate remains higher than the UK average. The local population of 121,739 means that, on average, each resident faces a 0.82% risk of experiencing a crime in any given year. This perspective highlights the importance of community-based crime prevention strategies, particularly in areas where anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates exceed national benchmarks by over 70%.