Rural Cheltenham Crime Rate

Rural Cheltenham is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 40.4 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 91/100, which is thirteen points higher than the UK average of 78/100. Despite this high level of safety, the crime trend is currently increasing, with a 50.0% rise year-over-year. This suggests that while Rural Cheltenham 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 Rural Cheltenham

In Rural Cheltenham, the most common crime type is anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 25.4% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by violence and sexual offences at 20.6% and burglary at 15.9%. These figures suggest that while the overall volume of crime is low, home security and low-level disruption are the primary concerns for the local community.

Property-related crime in Rural Cheltenham carries an overall rate of 15.4 per 1,000 residents. This includes burglary (15.9%), vehicle crime (9.5%), criminal damage and arson (6.3%), and bicycle theft (3.2%). For residents, the high percentage of burglary—particularly in the afternoon—and the vehicle crime rate indicate that property security is a relevant concern. While Rural Cheltenham is an exceptionally safe area, the fact that burglary forms a significant part of the local landscape means that homeowners should take sensible precautions to protect their property and maintain the area's high safety standards.

The crime trend in Rural Cheltenham is currently increasing, with a 50.0% 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 8.3 in April and 7.7 in September. The lowest rate of 0.6 was recorded in February and July 2025. This suggests that while crime is generally lower than the national average, there are periods of significantly increased 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 Rural Cheltenham

The most common crime in Rural Cheltenham is anti-social behaviour, followed by violence and sexual offences and burglary. 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 home security in the afternoon, as burglary accounts for 58% of incidents during this time. Ensure doors and windows are locked even when home.
• Secure your home with high-quality locks and consider installing a proactive AI-powered security system to deter opportunistic burglars.
• Ensure your vehicle is securely locked at all times, especially overnight when vehicle crime accounts for 40% of local activity.
• 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 Rural Cheltenham shows clear variations based on the time of day. Theft is most prevalent during the morning (9%) and afternoon (8%), but property crimes like burglary and vehicle theft are far more dominant. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is a high-risk time for burglary, accounting for 58% of all incidents. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a dual threat, with burglary at 42% and vehicle crime at 40% of all recorded activity. This suggests that both residential property and vehicles are at extreme risk during the late-night and mid-afternoon hours. Understanding these patterns allows residents to prioritise their security measures effectively.

In the local Gloucestershire context, Rural Cheltenham (40.4 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 has a similar crime profile to Prestbury (34.7). These comparisons highlight Rural Cheltenham's position as an exceptionally quiet and secure residential hub that is notably safer than 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 15.4 per 1,000 people and a 50.0% increase in overall crime, Rural Cheltenham residents should be proactive about their security. A particularly significant statistic is that burglary accounts for 58% of all offences recorded in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) and 42% of night-time incidents (12am - 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 Rural Cheltenham.