Cheltenham Borough was ranked as the top safest place in the violent crime statistics, and came 9th out of 104 possible places in total across the country for lowest overall crime figures.

This data was compiled from June 2011 to May 2012 from www.police.uk which correlates crime and population for wards falling within three miles of the main university campus.  They comprised figures for burglary, robbery and violent crime, and was normalised for population density.

Community Protection Team Leader, Trevor Gladding said: “We’re really pleased to see Cheltenham ranked so highly in this survey. Cheltenham has a vibrant ‘night-time economy’ that far exceeds other towns of similar size. On a busy weekend up to 10,000 people visit the town to enjoy the rich variety of bars, restaurants and clubs that the town has to offer.”

Cheltenham has been at the forefront of measures to ensure public safety in relation to licensed premise, following the introduction of the Reducing Alcohol Related Violence (RARV) Project in2007

The Project Group membership, including council officers, police, university, health, elected members and the Chair of Nightsafe, have been working a number of varied initiatives to make sure Cheltenham remains a safe and pleasant place in which to work or to visit.

Included in these initiatives are:

Door supervisors working at venues in Cheltenham have received nationally recognised and enhanced conflict-management training. (2008/9)

Taxi marshals have been introduced at weekends for the busy taxi rank in the Promenade to help revellers get home as quickly and safely as possible. This project has also been heavily involved in introducing to Cheltenham Street Pastor scheme. (December 2009)

Best Bar None is a national accreditation scheme which has been introduced to ensure venues are properly and professionally operated. (2010)

Proactive and innovative campaigns which promote responsible drinking and the availability of non-alcoholic alternatives have been run both in the Christmas period and during Alcohol Awareness week in October.

Superstars Xtra is a project in which student volunteers from the University of Gloucestershire train to security industry standards which enables them to professionally supervise students visiting the Cheltenham town centre on busy student nights.

Inspector Tim Waterhouse from Cheltenham local police said: “It’s fantastic news that Cheltenham has rated highly on this list. We truly believe it is down to the great partnership working between the University, the police, the Council and, of course, the students themselves. With a vibrant night life and a thriving university it’s important to us that the students feel safe in the town and joint initiatives, such as the Superstars scheme, have helped us reduce crime and keep the whole community safe.”