Forest of Dean Crime Rate

The Forest of Dean recorded a crime rate of 63.4 per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This is 30.5% below the UK average crime rate of 91.2 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment compared to many other areas. However, a 1.0% year-on-year increase in overall crime indicates a need for continued vigilance and proactive safety measures. Violence and sexual offences represent the most prevalent category, while certain crimes, such as vehicle crime, are comparatively low. Understanding these trends and specific crime types is essential for residents and potential newcomers to the area.

The Forest of Dean is a unique area of woodland and rural landscape, contributing to its distinct character. The local economy is a mix of agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. The area’s population density varies considerably, with some densely populated towns and villages interspersed with more isolated rural communities. This mix of urban and rural environments, alongside the draw of tourism, can influence crime patterns. The presence of a significant number of holiday homes and seasonal workers can also impact the area’s demographics and contribute to certain types of crime. Understanding these factors is crucial when interpreting local crime statistics.

While the Forest of Dean’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, certain crime types are more prevalent. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime, accounting for 25.2 per 1,000 residents, which is 39.8% of all recorded offences. This is lower than the UK average of 32.2 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour represents the second highest category, with 14.7 per 1,000 residents, marginally below the UK average of 14.8. Criminal damage and arson, at 5.4 per 1,000, also contributes to the area’s crime profile, again slightly below the UK average of 6.6. Property crime in the Forest of Dean sits at 16.0 per 1,000 residents, which reflects a combination of burglary, theft, and criminal damage. The comparatively low rates of vehicle crime (1.6 per 1,000) and shoplifting (2.0 per 1,000) are notable positives when compared to the UK average.

Crime in the Forest of Dean has remained stable, increasing by a modest 1.0% year-on-year between February 2025 and January 2026. Monthly crime data reveals fluctuations throughout the period, with a peak in June 2025 (6.6 per 1,000/month) and a low point in December 2025 (4.1 per 1,000/month). While the overall trend is stable, specific crime types such as theft from the person and criminal damage and arson have shown concerning increases, indicating the need for continued monitoring and preventative measures.

When considering safety, it's useful to compare the Forest of Dean with neighbouring local authorities. Monmouthshire boasts the lowest crime rate in the area at 46.2 per 1,000 residents, while Gloucester has the highest at 135.3 per 1,000. These comparisons provide context and highlight the Forest of Dean's relatively favourable position in terms of crime rates.

Traditional security systems often react to crime – recording footage after a burglary has occurred. scOS takes a proactive approach, using AI to detect threats at your property boundary before they escalate. With the recent 11.9% increase in burglaries in the Forest of Dean, a system that prevents crime, rather than simply recording it, can offer a significant layer of protection. scOS's DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while its multi-camera intelligence ensures constant vigilance, creating a strong deterrent against potential criminals. The element of surprise that scOS provides can be a powerful tool in protecting your home and family.

How To Keep Safe in Forest of Dean

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone at night. Consider walking in well-lit areas and avoiding isolated routes. With the rising trend in burglaries, ensure your home is securely locked and consider installing an alarm system. The increase in theft from the person highlights the need to be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas. Finally, given the area’s rural nature, be mindful of your vehicle’s security and consider a visible deterrent.