Prestbury (Cheltenham) Crime Rate

Prestbury (Cheltenham) is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 34.7 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, reflecting a very secure environment for its residents. The area holds a superior safety score of 92/100, which is fourteen points higher than the UK average of 78/100. Despite this high level of safety, the crime trend is currently increasing, with a 7.7% rise year-over-year. This suggests that while Prestbury remains much safer than many parts of the country, there has been a recent uptick in local activity. Understanding the specific types and timings of these crimes can help residents in maintaining the area's high safety standards.

Crime Breakdown in Prestbury (Cheltenham)

In Prestbury, the most common crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 30.6% of all recorded incidents. This is followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 29.6% and vehicle crime at 9.2%. These figures suggest that while the overall volume of crime is low, personal safety and vehicle security are the primary concerns for the local community.

Property-related crime in Prestbury carries an overall rate of 11.0 per 1,000 residents. This includes vehicle crime (9.2%), burglary (6.1%), other theft (6.1%), and shoplifting (1.0%). Criminal damage and arson also contribute 5.1% to the total. For residents, the high percentage of vehicle crime—particularly at night—and the burglary rate indicate that property security is a relevant concern. While Prestbury is an exceptionally safe area, the fact that vehicle crime and burglary form a significant part of the local landscape means that homeowners and vehicle owners should take sensible precautions to protect their assets.

The crime trend in Prestbury is currently increasing, with a 7.7% rise in total crimes over the last year. Detailed monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents varied throughout 2025, peaking at 4.3 in March. The lowest rate of 0.7 was recorded in November 2024. This suggests that while crime is already very low, the area is experiencing a sustained period of slightly higher activity. The overall upward trend indicates that residents should remain vigilant and consider whether their current security measures are sufficient to meet this changing local landscape.

How To Keep Safe in Prestbury (Cheltenham)

The most common crime in Prestbury is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime. While the overall volume of crime is very low, it is important for residents to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves and their property.

To improve your safety and protect your home:

• Be aware of your surroundings and report any anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them maintain the area's high safety standards.
• Pay particular attention to vehicle security, as vehicle crime accounts for 51% of incidents at night. Use steering locks and ensure no valuables are left inside.
• Secure your home with high-quality locks and consider installing a proactive AI-powered security system to deter opportunistic burglars.
• Keep high-value items out of sight from windows to reduce the temptation for theft.
• If walking home late at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid quieter, unlit paths.
• Join a local neighbourhood watch scheme to stay informed about any suspicious activity in the area.

Crime in Prestbury follows distinct daily cycles. Theft is the dominant property offence during the afternoon (40%) and morning (37%), likely coinciding with periods of higher footfall or when residents are away. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a dramatic shift, with vehicle crime accounting for 51% of all incidents. This suggests that vehicles parked overnight are the primary target for local criminals. Burglary risk is significant throughout the day, peaking at 25% in the afternoon. Understanding these patterns allows residents to tailor their security measures, such as prioritising vehicle protection overnight and home security during the day.

In the local Gloucestershire context, Prestbury (34.7 per 1,000) is one of the safest areas in the region. It is significantly more secure than nearby Cheltenham, which has a much higher crime rate of 103.0, and Swindon (Cheltenham) at 404.1. It is also safer than Bishop's Cleeve (47.5). Nearby Southam reported zero crimes during the same period. These comparisons highlight Prestbury's position as an exceptionally quiet and secure residential hub that is notably safer than its larger neighbouring towns. For those looking at the region, it offers a high level of safety with a very low-crime profile.

With a property crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 people and a 7.7% increase in overall crime, Prestbury residents enjoy a high level of safety. However, a particularly significant statistic is that vehicle crime accounts for 51% of all offences recorded between midnight and 6am. This indicates that traditional, reactive security—which simply records a theft as it happens—may not be sufficient to protect your property.

scOS provides a proactive solution designed to prevent crime before it occurs. Using advanced AI, scOS monitors your property boundaries and can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or sirens, destroying the element of surprise that burglars and car thieves rely on. By stopping threats at the boundary, scOS offers a level of protection that traditional DIY cameras cannot match, making it an ideal choice for maintaining the security of your home in Prestbury.