Prestbury (Cheltenham) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Prestbury (Cheltenham)

Prestbury (Cheltenham), a built-up area with a population of 2,823, boasts a significantly low overall crime rate of 32.6 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is substantially below the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000 residents, highlighting Prestbury as a particularly safe community. The area's exceptional safety is underscored by its safety score of 93 out of 100, far exceeding the UK average safety score of 78. Property crime in Prestbury also remains very low at 11.0 per 1,000 people per year, compared to the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Encouragingly, crime in Prestbury has been decreasing, with a 5.2% reduction year-over-year. This positive trend and low crime figures establish Prestbury (Cheltenham) as one of the safer urban settlements.

Crime Type Analysis in Prestbury (Cheltenham)

In Prestbury (Cheltenham), the crime landscape is characterised by relatively low numbers across all categories, reflecting the area's high safety score. The most reported crime type is Violence and sexual offences, with 28 incidents, representing 9.9 per 1,000 residents and 30.4% of the total crimes. Anti-social behaviour follows with 25 incidents (8.9 per 1,000, 27.2% of total), and Vehicle crime ranks third with 10 incidents (3.5 per 1,000, 10.9% of total). These figures are notably lower than those seen in more urbanised areas.

Property-related crime in Prestbury, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at a low 11.0 per 1,000 people per year. This includes 6 burglaries (2.1 per 1,000), 10 vehicle crimes (3.5 per 1,000), and 6 other theft incidents (2.1 per 1,000). While the rates are low, they still represent a potential risk, and residents are encouraged to maintain vigilance, especially concerning vehicle security and general property protection, to help keep these figures at their current low levels.

Crime Trends in Prestbury (Cheltenham)

Prestbury (Cheltenham) has demonstrated a positive crime trend, with an overall decrease of 5.2% year-over-year. This indicates a sustained reduction in criminal activity compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysing the monthly crime rate data, Prestbury consistently maintains very low figures. While there are minor fluctuations, such as a slight increase from 0.7 per 1,000 in November 2024 to 4.3 in March 2025, the overall trend is one of decline. For example, October 2024 recorded 1.4 per 1,000, while September 2025 stood at 3.9 per 1,000. These low and decreasing trends underscore the effectiveness of local community efforts and policing in maintaining a safe environment for residents.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Prestbury (Cheltenham)

Crime patterns in Prestbury (Cheltenham) show distinct variations across different time periods, even with overall low figures. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) are primarily marked by theft (41%) and vehicle crime (28%), along with some burglary (16%), suggesting vulnerabilities during the start of the day. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) sees theft remaining high (42%), with burglary also becoming more prevalent (27%), while vehicle crime drops (10%). This indicates that properties may be targeted during typical working hours.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), vehicle crime becomes the most significant category (29%), followed by 'other' crimes (27%) and burglary (25%), with theft decreasing (19%). This shift suggests different opportunities for crime as residents return home and evening activities commence. Night-time hours (12am - 6am) are predominantly affected by vehicle crime (53%) and burglary (23%), with 'other' crimes also present (17%) and theft at its lowest (6%). This highlights a specific risk to vehicles and unattended properties during overnight periods.

Regional Crime Context: Prestbury (Cheltenham) and Nearby Areas

Prestbury (Cheltenham)'s low crime rate of 32.6 per 1,000 provides a strong contrast when compared to its neighbours. For instance, the main urban area of Cheltenham exhibits a significantly higher crime rate, highlighting Prestbury's relative tranquillity. Similarly, other built-up areas like Swindon (Cheltenham) show substantially higher crime figures, particularly in specific categories. Comparisons with more rural localities like Southam (Tewkesbury) or Bishop's Cleeve might show closer alignment in overall safety, though Prestbury often maintains an edge due to its very low rates. This regional context solidifies Prestbury (Cheltenham)'s reputation as a particularly safe and desirable place to live.

Enhancing Property Protection in Prestbury (Cheltenham)

Despite Prestbury (Cheltenham)'s exceptionally low property crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 people per year, proactive security remains paramount. It's crucial to understand that even in safe areas, opportunities for crime can arise, and traditional security measures often fall short. Many standard CCTV systems, for example, primarily serve to record a crime after it has already occurred, offering evidence rather than prevention.

For residents who prioritise preventing crime over simply documenting it, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS presents a compelling alternative. Unlike reactive systems, scOS is engineered to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they gain access. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures continuous, vigilant monitoring, and features such as DVLA vehicle verification add an extra layer of protection against suspicious activity. By learning your daily routines, scOS can differentiate between expected movements and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. The system’s autonomous response, including activating deterrents like lights and speakers, is designed to disrupt an intruder's plans within their critical 60-second decision window. While basic DIY solutions can offer some peace of mind, professional-grade systems like scOS provide a robust and intelligent defence, ensuring your property in Prestbury remains as secure as possible.