Gloucester Crime Rate

Crime in Gloucester

Gloucester is a major urban local authority with an overall crime rate of 135.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is higher than the UK average of 91.7, which is common for a regional hub of its size and activity. The area has a safety score of 68/100, reflecting the typical challenges of a busy city environment. Recent data shows that the crime trend in Gloucester is stable, with a negligible year-over-year increase of just 0.7%. This indicates that while crime levels are higher than the national average, they are not currently escalating. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring across the district and how Gloucester compares to its neighbouring areas.

About Gloucester

Gloucester is a historic cathedral city and the administrative centre of Gloucestershire. Its crime statistics are influenced by its role as a major regional hub with a diverse mix of urban, commercial, and industrial areas. The city attracts a significant transient population through its tourism—centred on the stunning Gloucester Cathedral and the historic Docks—and its status as a key transport node.

The city's vibrant nightlife and retail sectors, particularly around the Gloucester Quays, contribute to the crime profile, as these areas naturally see higher concentrations of people and activity. Economic factors, including pockets of urban deprivation alongside affluent residential neighbourhoods, also play a role in the local crime rate. As a local authority area, Gloucester's data reflects both the challenges of a busy urban centre and the more stable patterns of its suburban outskirts. Understanding these characteristics helps put the crime rate of 135.3 per 1,000 residents into context, as it is driven by the density and activity of a major city.

Crime Breakdown in Gloucester

Gloucester's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.8% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 51.1 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.5% and shoplifting at 9.0%. Public order offences also make up a significant portion of the total at 8.3%.

Property-related crime in Gloucester—which includes burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is a notable concern, with a rate of 40.0 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 32.3. Specifically, burglary and vehicle crime each account for 3.0% of total crime, while 'other theft' represents 5.4%. For residents and homeowners, this means that property security is a priority. The combination of high shoplifting rates (business crime) and overall property crime suggests that both residential and commercial properties require robust protection strategies to mitigate the risk of theft and damage.

Crime Trends in Gloucester

The crime trend in Gloucester is currently stable, with a minimal year-over-year increase of 0.7%. This suggests that the city's safety profile is consistent. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 9.7 and 12.9 per 1,000 residents.

The year saw a peak in August at 12.9, followed closely by May and June at 12.6. These summer months often see higher crime rates in urban areas due to increased footfall, tourism, and outdoor activity. The lowest rate was recorded in February at 9.7. The overall stability of the data indicates that local policing and safety initiatives are effectively managing crime levels, preventing any significant surges. For residents, this means that while crime is a factor in city life, it is a known and stable element that can be managed with appropriate personal and property security.

Nearby Area Comparison

When comparing Gloucester to its neighbours, it stands out as the primary centre for recorded activity. Its crime rate of 135.3 per 1,000 is significantly higher than Wychavon (66.5). Notably, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Stroud, Forest of Dean, and Cotswold all recorded a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific period, highlighting the stark difference between the urban core of Gloucester and the surrounding districts. For those considering the region, Gloucester offers all the amenities of a major city but with a higher crime profile than its more rural or suburban neighbours. Understanding this regional context is essential for residents and businesses alike.

Proactive Security for Gloucester

Gloucester's property crime rate of 40.0 per 1,000 is above the national average, making property security a significant consideration for residents and business owners. In a high-activity urban area, traditional security measures like standard CCTV often fall short because they are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but do little to prevent it.

To stay ahead of crime in Gloucester, a proactive approach is required. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that transforms your cameras into an intelligent, proactive defence. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundary, scOS can identify threats before they result in a break-in or damage. Features like autonomous responses—where lights and speakers activate the moment an unauthorised person is detected—can deter a potential intruder instantly. In a city where burglars often look for easy targets, a visible scOS system signals that your property is proactively protected. Moving from reactive recording to proactive AI prevention is the best way to secure your assets in Gloucester's busy urban environment.

How To Keep Safe in Gloucester

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Gloucester, which is typical for a major urban local authority. To ensure your personal safety and the security of your property across the district, consider the following broader regional advice:

1. When in the city centre or busy commercial areas, especially at night, stay in well-lit, populated areas and be aware of your surroundings.
2. If you are using public transport or walking home after an evening out, try to travel with others and stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
3. For homeowners, ensure that all entry points are secure and well-lit. Motion-sensor lighting is a highly effective deterrent against both anti-social behaviour and property crime.
4. Businesses should be aware of the high shoplifting rate and consider professional security measures that provide real-time monitoring and deterrence.
5. Engage with local community safety partnerships and stay informed about crime trends in your specific neighbourhood to ensure you are taking the most relevant precautions.