Swindon (Cheltenham) Crime Rate

Swindon (Cheltenham) has a crime rate of 393.6 per 1,000 residents, 332% above the UK average, with shoplifting being 2654% higher than the national rate. This extreme disparity highlights the area’s unique challenges, where retail hubs and high foot traffic create opportunities for opportunistic crimes. While property crime is also alarmingly high, the surge in possession of weapons—up 400% YoY—adds a new layer of risk for residents.

Swindon (Cheltenham) is a built-up area within the town of Cheltenham, characterised by a mix of residential and retail spaces. Its proximity to a major retail hub and high foot traffic in commercial zones likely contributes to elevated shoplifting rates. The area’s compact layout and limited public transport options may also influence crime patterns, with vehicle crime concentrated in parking areas and anti-social behaviour more prevalent in densely populated streets.

The most striking finding in Swindon (Cheltenham) is the 2654% above UK average rate for shoplifting, which is over 28 times higher than the national figure. This extreme disparity likely stems from the area’s retail concentration, attracting opportunistic thieves. Anti-social behaviour is also significantly above average (229% higher), possibly linked to the area’s social mix and limited community engagement. Violence and sexual offences, though lower than shoplifting, remain 31% above the UK average, potentially tied to nightlife activity in nearby districts. Public order crimes, which have fallen by 9% YoY, are still 367% above the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges in managing public spaces.

Crime in Swindon (Cheltenham) has increased by 10.6% year-on-year, with possession of weapons surging by 400% YoY—a sharp rise indicating a growing concern. Monthly trends show a peak in April 2025 (57.4 per 1,000) and a trough in January 2026 (24.5 per 1,000), likely influenced by seasonal factors such as longer evenings in spring and reduced activity during winter. The sudden spike in weapon possession may reflect increased illicit activity or improved reporting.

How To Keep Safe in Swindon (Cheltenham)

Residents should avoid leaving valuables in vehicles during peak shoplifting hours (12pm–6pm) and use scOS to detect suspicious activity at property boundaries. For public order crimes, report anti-social behaviour via 101 promptly. At night, avoid poorly lit areas where vehicle crime spikes, and consider using Neighbourhood Watch alerts. For shoplifting, ensure retail areas are monitored with AI systems to deter opportunists.

Crime in Swindon (Cheltenham) peaks in the afternoon, with theft and shoplifting concentrated between 12pm and 6pm, aligning with retail hours and high foot traffic. Evening hours (6pm–12am) see a rise in other crimes, including anti-social behaviour, likely due to social gatherings and reduced visibility. Nighttime (12am–6am) witnesses a spike in vehicle crime, possibly linked to unattended cars in poorly lit parking areas. Weekends, particularly Saturdays, show higher activity across all crime types, reflecting extended nightlife and increased public interaction.

Swindon (Cheltenham) has a crime rate 837% higher than Bishop's Cleeve and 311% higher than Cheltenham, making it significantly less safe. Bishop's Cleeve’s lower rate likely reflects its smaller population and more rural character, while Cheltenham’s higher rate may stem from its larger urban footprint and tourism activity.

For Swindon (Cheltenham) households, shoplifting’s extreme 2654% above UK average rate demands proactive measures, scOS mitigates this risk by using AI to monitor property boundaries and detect suspicious vehicles automatically. Its DVLA vehicle registration checks flag potential threats, while multi-camera monitoring ensures no blind spots. These features address the area’s high shoplifting and vehicle crime rates, offering a tailored solution to local vulnerabilities.