Broadwell and Coalway Crime Rate

Broadwell and Coalway’s crime rate of 58.7 per 1,000 is 35.5% below the UK average, but a sharp 400% YoY rise in burglary stands out. This area, part of the Forest of Dean, is generally safe but faces a unique challenge in property crime. Its stability—despite the burglary spike—reflects the effectiveness of local policing and community dynamics.

Broadwell and Coalway is a small built-up area within the Forest of Dean, blending rural charm with accessible amenities. Its moderate population and proximity to natural landscapes likely contribute to lower crime rates, though the sharp rise in burglary suggests vulnerabilities in property security. The area's character—likely a mix of residential and commuter-focused neighbourhoods—may influence crime patterns, with limited commercial hubs reducing opportunities for shoplifting and other theft.

The most surprising finding is that burglary is 4% above the UK average (3.4 vs 3.3 per 1,000), despite the area’s overall safety. This anomaly may stem from older housing stock or a lack of modern security measures in some properties. Violence and sexual offences. of total crimes, are 32% below the UK average, likely due to the area’s smaller, tighter-knit community. Anti-social behaviour and public order crimes, both below the UK average, may reflect effective local policing or community engagement. However, the 400% YoY increase in burglary—despite remaining slightly above average—warrants closer examination, linked to targeted criminal activity or shifting patterns in property crime.

Crime in Broadwell and Coalway has remained stable overall (0.6% YoY), but burglary has surged 400% year-on-year, a sharp and concerning increase. The monthly trend shows a peak in June 2025 (10.0 per 1,000) and a low in May 2025 (2.4 per 1,000), suggesting seasonal patterns. This spike in burglary may be linked to targeted activity or increased vulnerability, despite the area’s overall safety. Other crimes, like shoplifting, have fallen 81.8% YoY, while anti-social behaviour and public order crimes have risen slightly but remain below the UK average. The stability of most crime types contrasts with the dramatic burglary increase, highlighting the need for focused interventions.

How To Keep Safe in Broadwell and Coalway

Given the 400% YoY rise in burglary, securing homes with motion sensors and automated lighting is advisable, even in a low-crime area. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, as vehicle crime peaks at night. For residents near Coleford (Forest of Dean), heightened vigilance is recommended due to the 84% higher crime rate in that area. Community engagement, such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes, can further deter crime. Regularly check home security measures, especially after the burglary spike, to ensure they align with the area’s evolving challenges.

Crime in Broadwell and Coalway peaks at night, with burglary concentrated between midnight and 6am (37% of all burglaries). This aligns with rural areas where homes may be unoccupied for longer periods. Theft, though lower overall, spikes in the afternoon (49% of thefts occur between 6am and 12pm), possibly linked to retail activity or unsecured vehicles. Vehicle crime, though minimal, rises sharply at night (20% of vehicle crimes occur after midnight), suggesting opportunistic targeting of parked cars in quieter streets. The area’s low population density may contribute to fewer daytime incidents, but its rural isolation increases vulnerability to nighttime crimes.

Compared to nearby areas, Broadwell and Coalway is significantly safer than Coleford (Forest of Dean), which has 84% higher crime rates. Milkwall, however, is 158% safer, with a rate of 22.7 per 1,000. Berry Hill is only 6% more dangerous, while Sling is 26% safer. These differences likely reflect Coleford’s larger population and broader commercial activity, contrasted with Milkwall’s smaller, more isolated character.

For burglary prevention, scOS’s AI-powered perimeter detection and automated deterrents are critical. With Broadwell and Coalway’s burglary rate 4% above the UK average, proactive systems like scOS can identify and disrupt threats before they escalate. Its behavioural pattern learning reduces false alarms, ensuring that alerts are meaningful. Hardwired cameras and remote configuration via scOS Architect provide discreet, effective coverage. At £19/month, it’s a cost-effective way to align home security with the area’s low crime rate without overcomplicating daily life.