Newly released crime data highlights that the centre of Gloucester is one of the worst areas for bike theft in the entire South West. In 2024, Gloucestershire police recorded 605 bike thefts—averaging more than one stolen bike every day. Central Gloucester & Hempsted alone accounted for 99 of these incidents, making it the third highest hotspot in the region, only behind Bristol’s City Centre & Harbourside (246 thefts) and Temple Meads (142 thefts).
Within Gloucestershire, Cheltenham’s Lansdown and Montpellier neighbourhoods experienced 69 bike thefts, followed by 41 in St Paul’s, also in Cheltenham. Detailed local figures expose stark realities for certain areas, such as Cheltenham’s Alstone & St Mark’s, where 26 bikes were stolen but no offenders were identified or charged. Other troubling areas include Stroud Town (14 thefts), Quedgeley South in Gloucester (12 thefts), and Tewkesbury West & Twyning (12 thefts), all showing no resolutions.
Despite an 18% drop in bike thefts from 739 in 2023 to 605 in 2024, and a 26% decline compared to 2022, the challenge remains significant. Factors like enhanced police operations, public awareness campaigns, better quality locks, and increased bike registrations likely contributed to the downward trend.
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However, catching the culprits remains difficult. Just 3.4% of investigations into bike thefts ended with suspects being charged or cautioned in Gloucestershire last year. In most cases (85%), no suspect was ever identified. Still, this detection rate is higher than the national average of 2.5%.
A spokesperson from the National Police Chiefs’ Council emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat bike theft through the National Cycle Crime Reduction Strategy. This initiative brings together police, retailers, cycling groups, local authorities, and government bodies to reduce offences and improve outcomes for victims.
They acknowledged the frustration victims feel when criminals go unpunished but assured that targeted action against prolific offenders and crime networks continues alongside prevention measures.
Police urge cyclists to remain vigilant and utilize high-quality locks and registration systems to protect their property.
Crime figures cover over 7,000 neighbourhoods in England and Wales (excluding Greater Manchester due to unavailable data) and reflect communities of 7,000 to 10,000 residents, known as Middle Super Output Areas. Reported crimes at train stations are not included since they fall under British Transport Police jurisdiction.