Police figures for January 2026 show that violence and sexual offences have become the most common type of crime reported in Cheltenham town centre, Gloucestershire. Data from Gloucestershire Constabulary shows there were 255 total crimes in the area during the month. This total included 71 reports of violence and sexual offences, 64 reports of anti-social behaviour, and 49 cases of shoplifting.
Officers are now carrying out extra patrols on weekends, with a particular focus on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, to help residents feel safer. The police confirmed these “Op Ash” patrols are part of a targeted effort to tackle the recent increase in rowdy behaviour in public spaces. These measures aim to provide a more visible presence during the busiest times of the week.
To provide teenagers with a safe place to spend their time, a new youth cafe launched in January 2026 at Smokey Joes through the No Child Left Behind scheme. The pilot project runs on Thursday afternoons and hopes to reduce the number of young people gathering in the streets by offering them an alternative social venue. It is one of several community safety measures introduced at the start of the year.
Local businesses are also being protected by a 12-month court order against a specific individual who is banned from causing distress or using threats in the town centre. According to Cheltenham Borough Council, this legal restriction will remain in place until 18 September 2026.
The Cheltenham Business Improvement District, which recently secured a new five-year mandate starting in April 2026, is also working with shop owners to further improve security for staff and customers. These efforts are part of a wider plan to keep the town safe for visitors and retail workers throughout the year.
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