Forest of Dean Crime Rate

Crime statistics for the Forest of Dean, spanning January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a crime rate of 64.4 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure places the Forest of Dean below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, contributing to a safety score of 85/100. While the area benefits from a strong community feel and a predominantly rural setting, concerns primarily revolve around violence and sexual offences, accounting for a significant portion of reported crimes. Overall, crime rates have remained stable, showing a slight 2.4% year-on-year increase, with monthly fluctuations throughout the data period.

The Forest of Dean’s crime statistics are influenced by its unique character as a predominantly rural area with pockets of densely populated settlements. The area’s mix of forestry, agricultural land, and small villages contributes to a distinct demographic profile. While the close-knit community fosters a sense of safety, the dispersed nature of the population can also present challenges for policing and create opportunities for opportunistic crime. The presence of tourism, particularly during peak seasons, can also impact crime patterns, with potential increases in theft and anti-social behaviour in popular visitor locations. Understanding these factors is key to interpreting the area’s crime data.

The Forest of Dean’s crime profile reveals violence and sexual offences as the most prevalent concern, accounting for 39.9% of all reported crimes. These are followed by anti-social behaviour (23.7%) and criminal damage and arson (8.3%). Overall property crime stands at 15.9 per 1,000 residents annually. While burglary is present (2.6 per 1,000), it represents a smaller proportion of the overall crime picture. Other theft, including shoplifting (2.0 per 1,000), also contributes to the property crime rate. The prominence of violence and sexual offences highlights the need for targeted interventions and community support programmes.

Crime rates in the Forest of Dean have remained stable, showing a slight increase of 2.4% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations, with the highest monthly crime rate observed in June (6.6 per 1,000) and the lowest in September (4.7 per 1,000). The gradual decline towards the end of the data period suggests a possible positive trend, although further monitoring is needed to confirm this.

The Forest of Dean demonstrates a significantly lower crime rate compared to its neighbouring areas. Stroud, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, and Monmouthshire all recorded crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000, highlighting the relative safety of the Forest of Dean. This difference is likely attributable to the area's rural nature and close-knit community.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a burglary has occurred. For proactive protection in the Forest of Dean, consider a system like scOS. scOS uses AI to detect threats at your property boundary – preventing crime before it happens. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all angles simultaneously, verifying potential threats with DVLA vehicle verification and learning your family’s routines. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds; scOS’s visible deterrence makes them move on. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively stopping threats at your property line is another.

How To Keep Safe in Forest of Dean

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Firstly, avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, especially at night. Secondly, consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to enhance community vigilance. Thirdly, ensure your home is secure by locking doors and windows, even when you’re at home. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.