Swindon (Cheltenham) Crime Rate

Swindon (Cheltenham) is a high-activity urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 404.1 per 1,000 people per year. This is exceptionally higher than the UK average of 93.1, primarily driven by its status as a major regional retail and commercial hub. The area holds a low safety score of 33/100, which is significantly below the UK average of 78/100. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Swindon (Cheltenham) is increasing, with a 14.0% rise year-over-year. As a high-density retail destination with a relatively small resident population, the town's crime statistics are heavily influenced by shoplifting and other acquisitive crimes. Residents and business owners should be aware of these figures and take robust precautions to ensure their property safety.

Crime Breakdown in Swindon (Cheltenham)

In Swindon (Cheltenham), the crime profile is dominated by shoplifting, which accounts for a staggering 48.7% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.7% and violence and sexual offences at 10.6%. These figures reflect the area's status as a major regional retail destination with a low resident population.

Property-related crime in Swindon (Cheltenham) is exceptionally high, with an overall rate of 266.8 per 1,000 residents. This category is almost entirely driven by shoplifting (48.7%), but also includes other theft (5.7%), vehicle crime (2.4%), and burglary (2.1%). Criminal damage and arson also account for 3.6% of the total. For residents, this means that while the town is a major hub for retail theft, the high volume of activity creates an environment where property security is a major concern. Protecting homes and businesses against the high rate of theft is therefore a top priority for the local community.

The crime trend in Swindon (Cheltenham) is currently increasing, with a 14.0% rise in total crimes over the last year. Detailed monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained extremely high throughout 2025, peaking at 57.4 in April and 49.0 in May. The lowest rate of 20.3 was recorded in February 2025. This consistent and significant level of activity, combined with the overall annual increase, suggests that the town is experiencing a sustained period of high criminal activity. Residents and business owners should be proactive about their security and remain vigilant, as the volume of recorded incidents is exceptionally high.

How To Keep Safe in Swindon (Cheltenham)

The most common crime in Swindon (Cheltenham) is shoplifting, followed by anti-social behaviour and violence. Given the extremely high overall crime rate, residents and visitors should take active steps to ensure their safety, particularly in busy retail areas.

To improve your safety and protect your property:

• Be highly vigilant in retail parks and shopping areas, where shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are most frequent.
• Ensure your vehicle is securely locked at all times, especially overnight when vehicle crime accounts for 35% of local activity.
• Secure your home or business with high-quality locks and consider installing a proactive AI-powered security system to deter opportunistic burglars.
• Keep high-value items out of sight when in public and when at home.
• If walking home late at night, stick to well-lit main roads and travel in groups if possible.
• Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police to help them target their patrols more effectively.

Crime in Swindon (Cheltenham) shows a clear pattern related to the town's high retail activity. Shoplifting and other theft are the dominant offences during the morning (54%) and afternoon (55%), coinciding with peak hours for shopping. As the day progresses, 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour, become more prominent, accounting for 51% of evening incidents. However, the night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a shift toward property crime, with vehicle crime peaking at 35% and burglary at 17% of all recorded activity. This indicates that while the town is extremely busy with retail theft during the day, residential and parked property is at its highest risk during the late-night hours.

In the local Gloucestershire context, Swindon (Cheltenham) is the most active area for recorded crime. Its rate of 404.1 per 1,000 residents is significantly higher than nearby Cheltenham (103.0) and Bishop's Cleeve (47.5). Nearby Stoke Orchard and Southam (Tewkesbury) both reported zero crimes during the same period. These comparisons highlight Swindon (Cheltenham)'s position as an extreme high-activity hub, likely driven by its concentration of major retail outlets. For those living in or visiting the region, Swindon (Cheltenham) represents a much higher-crime environment than its immediate neighbours.

With an extreme property crime rate of 266.8 per 1,000 people and a 14.0% increase in overall crime, Swindon (Cheltenham) presents a significant challenge for property protection. A major concern is that vehicle crime accounts for 35% of all night-time incidents (12am - 6am), and burglary accounts for 17%. Traditional security systems are often reactive, meaning they only record footage or sound an alarm after a break-in has already started. In a high-activity retail area like Swindon (Cheltenham), this is often too late to prevent loss or damage.

scOS offers a proactive solution designed to prevent crime before it happens. Using AI-powered intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your home or business. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like high-intensity lights or audio warnings, removing the element of surprise and causing intruders to move on. This proactive approach is the most effective way to protect your assets and maintain your safety in an area with an exceptionally high property crime rate.