New Map Identifies the Riskiest Parking Areas in Gloucestershire

A newly released map highlights the most dangerous parking spots across Gloucestershire, pinpointing where cars, vans, and motorbikes face the highest risk of theft, break-ins, damage, or vandalism. By using hyperlocal crime data, residents can now see exactly how their area compares.

In England and Wales, over 340,000 vehicle crimes were recorded last year, encompassing theft, break-ins, and attempts to tamper with vehicles. These incidents tend to cluster in busy city centers, airports, and places with extensive long-stay parking.

Within Gloucestershire, Stroud Town stands out as the hotspot with 178 vehicle crimes reported last year, averaging one incident every 49 hours. Following Stroud Town are Lansdown & Montpellier in Cheltenham with 113 cases, and Pittville & Fairview, also in Cheltenham, with 95.

Interestingly, the villages of Rodborough and Thrupp show alarming vehicle crime rates relative to their population. The Rodborough & Thrupp area recorded 72 vehicle crimes, translating to roughly 11 incidents per 1,000 residents. This means about one in every 95 people in these villages experienced some form of vehicle crime over the past year.

You can assess your neighborhood’s safety level by using our interactive postcode map.

Legal consequences for vehicle crimes are serious: vehicle theft can result in a prison sentence of up to seven years. Lesser offences, such as taking a vehicle without consent, carry penalties up to six months, while vehicle interference can lead to three months in jail.

Data covers more than 7,000 neighborhoods across England and Wales, excluding Greater Manchester due to unreported data. The crime statistics pertain to areas, called Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs), typically containing 7,000 to 10,000 residents. Please note that crimes reported at train stations are recorded separately by British Transport Police and not included here.