Tewkesbury Crime Rate

Tewkesbury's crime rate of 56.4 per 1,000 residents is 38% below the UK average, reflecting a very safe local authority. While overall crime has decreased by 11.6% year-on-year, rising rates of weapon possession and robbery warrant closer attention. This profile highlights how a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial areas maintains low crime through community cohesion and strategic planning.

Tewkesbury's historic market town character, combined with its proximity to the Cotswolds, shapes its crime profile. The town's mix of listed buildings, independent shops, and newer housing developments creates a unique dynamic. Anti-social behaviour may be influenced by the town's tourism season, while lower vehicle crime reflects fewer commuter parking zones compared to larger cities. Rural areas like Winchcombe (43.7 per 1,000) have lower crime rates, likely due to sparse population density. The rise in weapon possession (+24% YoY) may be linked to the town's role as a regional hub for informal trade networks, though it remains 49% below the UK average.

The most surprising finding is that Tewkesbury's burglary rate, though 22% below the UK average, is rising by 6% YoY. This may reflect increased home ownership in newer developments like Highnam, where property values are higher but security measures are not yet fully established. Violence and sexual offences (21.2 per 1,000) remain the most common crime type, likely linked to the town's tourism sector and late-night retail activity. Anti-social behaviour (13.7 per 1,000) may be influenced by seasonal events like the Tewkesbury Abbey Festival, which draws crowds to the historic core. Vehicle crime (2.0 per 1,000) is 57% below the UK average, due to fewer commuter parking zones compared to larger cities.

Crime in Tewkesbury has decreased by 11.6% year-on-year, with theft from the person falling by 37.5%—a significant drop likely tied to reduced foot traffic during the winter months and increased police presence around local attractions. Monthly trends show a seasonal pattern, peaking in March (5.7 per 1,000) and troughing in December (4.3 per 1,000), aligning with longer evenings and holiday activity. Rising weapon possession (+24% YoY) may indicate shifting criminal behaviour patterns, though it remains 49% below the UK average. These trends suggest a resilient community with effective local policing, but vigilance is needed around emerging risks.

Compared to Cheltenham (72% higher crime rate) and Gloucester (123% higher), Tewkesbury's safety score of 87/100 is superior. Cotswold, the safest neighbour, has a 2% lower crime rate (55.1 vs 56.4), likely due to its more rural character. Conversely, Longford (83% higher crime rate) may face challenges from its proximity to major transport routes. This contrast highlights how urban density, tourism infrastructure, and historical preservation efforts shape local crime profiles.

In Tewkesbury's low-crime environment, scOS offers proportionate protection through AI boundary detection, which is particularly relevant for newer developments like Highnam where burglary rates are rising. Its vehicle registration verification feature aligns with the town's 57% below UK average vehicle crime rate, helping identify suspicious vehicles near residential areas. The system's behavioural pattern learning reduces false alarms, ideal for areas with seasonal events like the Tewkesbury Abbey Festival. With a £19/month subscription, scOS provides automated deterrence without compromising the town's historic character, ensuring low crime rates remain a strength rather than a vulnerability.

How To Keep Safe in Tewkesbury

Residents should prioritise securing vehicles in areas like Highnam, where vehicle crime is 57% below the UK average but rising. For homes, consider discreet motion sensors near the historic town centre, where anti-social behaviour is 7% below the UK average. Given the 6% YoY increase in bicycle theft, lock bikes in designated racks near the Tewkesbury Railway Station. For families, avoid leaving valuables visible in cars during the Tewkesbury Abbey Festival period, when theft from the person has dropped by 37.5%—a statistic that may reflect improved community awareness rather than reduced risk.