Forest of Dean Crime Rate

Crime in Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean is one of the safer regions in the UK, with an overall crime rate of 65.4 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in an excellent safety score of 85/100. The crime trend in the area is currently stable, with a marginal year-over-year increase of 2.3%, indicating a consistent safety environment. Property crime in the district is particularly low, at 15.7 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 32.9. These figures suggest that while the Forest of Dean is not immune to crime, the statistical risk to both persons and property is significantly reduced for those living in this Gloucestershire district.

About Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean is a predominantly rural local authority district in Gloucestershire, characterised by its ancient woodland, small market towns, and industrial heritage. The area's geography, featuring isolated settlements and large forested tracts, influences its crime profile. Major employers are found in light industry and tourism, which brings a transient population of visitors to the region, particularly during peak holiday seasons.

The population density is relatively low compared to urban Gloucestershire, which often results in lower crime rates but can lead to concerns regarding response times in remote areas. Economic factors, including a mix of traditional agriculture and modern manufacturing, create a stable but varied socio-economic landscape. The area's transport links, including the A48 and A4136, serve as primary arteries for both residents and visitors, occasionally acting as corridors for cross-border opportunistic crime from neighbouring Monmouthshire and the wider West Midlands.

Crime Breakdown in Forest of Dean

In the Forest of Dean, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, making up 40.2% of all reports. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 24.3% and criminal damage and arson at 8.1%. These categories suggest that social conduct and personal disputes are the primary drivers of local police activity.

Property crime, including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences, occurs at a rate of 15.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, making the Forest of Dean a relatively safe place for property owners. Burglary accounts for 4.0% of total crime, while vehicle crime is even lower at 2.5%. For residents, this means that while the overall risk to property is low, the impact of criminal damage (8.1%) and 'other theft' (5.6%) highlights a need for basic security measures to protect outbuildings and external assets in this rural setting.

Crime Trends in Forest of Dean

The crime trend in the Forest of Dean is currently stable, with a slight 2.3% increase in total crimes over the last 12 months. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows a peak in crime activity during the early summer, specifically in June 2025, when the rate reached 6.6 per 1,000.

Following this peak, there was a steady decline into the autumn, with the crime rate dropping to 4.7 per 1,000 in September 2025. This seasonal pattern, where crime rises during the warmer months and holiday periods, is common in areas with high tourism. However, the overall stability of the trend suggests that there are no emerging long-term safety concerns for the district, and the area continues to be a secure place for its nearly 90,000 residents.

Nearby Areas Comparison

The Forest of Dean sits within a cluster of Gloucestershire and bordering Welsh districts. When compared to nearby areas such as Stroud, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, and Cheltenham, the Forest of Dean typically offers a quieter and more secure environment. While Gloucester and Cheltenham are larger urban centres with higher crime concentrations, the Forest of Dean's rate of 65.4 per 1,000 people provides a favourable comparison. Neighbouring Monmouthshire and South Gloucestershire also provide context for the region's safety; however, the Forest remains a preferred choice for those seeking a rural or semi-rural lifestyle with a lower statistical exposure to crime than the nearby cities.

Proactive Protection for Forest of Dean Properties

With a property crime rate of 15.7 per 1,000, the Forest of Dean is statistically safe, yet the rural nature of many homes can make them targets for opportunistic theft or criminal damage. Traditional security systems, like Ring or Nest, often only provide evidence after a crime has occurred. For residents in this area, scOS provides a more effective, proactive solution.

By utilising AI-powered boundary detection, scOS identifies potential intruders before they reach your home or outbuildings. The system’s multi-camera intelligence monitors your entire property simultaneously, distinguishing between your family, deliveries, and genuine threats. In an area where police response times to remote locations can vary, the autonomous response of scOS—using lights and speakers to deter intruders—can prevent a crime from happening in the first place. For Forest of Dean homeowners, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to maintain the area's high safety standards at a personal level.

How To Keep Safe in Forest of Dean

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in the Forest of Dean, often involving personal disputes or incidents in town centres. To maintain your safety across the district, consider these practical steps.

1. When out in market towns like Coleford or Lydney during evening hours, stay with groups and use well-lit, familiar routes to return home.
2. Be mindful of personal safety in isolated rural areas; always let someone know your planned route and expected return time when walking or cycling alone.
3. Trust your intuition in social settings. If a situation feels tense or uncomfortable, remove yourself to a public area with more people or visible staff.
4. Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible, and consider using safety apps that allow you to alert emergency contacts if you feel threatened.
5. Report any incidents of anti-social behaviour to local authorities, as this helps the police allocate resources to specific hotspots and prevent escalation.