Coleford (Forest of Dean) Crime Rate

Coleford (Forest of Dean) recorded a crime rate of 108.1 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, placing it 18.8% above the UK average. While property crime is 13.1% below the national rate, anti-social behaviour is elevated at 98% above the UK average, highlighting a complex local safety profile. The area's crime trends reveal a 5.4% annual decline overall, yet possession of weapons has surged by 150% YoY, a sharp divergence that warrants closer examination.

Coleford (Forest of Dean) is a built-up area within the Forest of Dean, blending rural and suburban characteristics. Its proximity to natural landscapes and historic sites may contribute to transient populations, while local employment opportunities in retail and services shape its demographic profile. The area's lower property crime rate compared to the UK average suggests a relatively stable residential environment, though anti-social behaviour and criminal damage remain elevated, likely linked to community dynamics and seasonal tourism patterns.

Coleford (Forest of Dean) experiences higher rates of anti-social behaviour (98% above UK average) and criminal damage and arson (72% above UK average), despite a lower property crime rate. The most surprising finding is the sharp rise in possession of weapons (+150% YoY), which far exceeds the UK average. Anti-social behaviour may be exacerbated by transient populations and community tensions, while criminal damage could reflect a lack of public infrastructure maintenance in rural zones. Lower vehicle crime (-61% below UK average) may stem from sparse commuter parking, though theft from the person remains 76% below national rates, due to lower foot traffic in non-tourist areas.

Coleford (Forest of Dean)'s crime rate has decreased by 5.4% year-on-year, though this masks significant divergence across categories. Possession of weapons has surged by 150% YoY, a sharp rise that defies the overall decline. Monthly trends show a peak in June 2025 (16.0 per 1,000/month) likely linked to extended evenings and increased tourism, followed by a decline in winter months. The spike in weapon possession may relate to seasonal factors or localized incidents, though further analysis is needed to confirm.

How To Keep Safe in Coleford (Forest of Dean)

Residents should focus on mitigating anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. Install motion-sensor lighting in communal areas to deter loitering, as this crime type is 98% above the UK average. For criminal damage, consider using scOS's AI-monitored boundary detection to flag suspicious activity around property. During peak burglary hours (night), ensure windows and doors are secured with robust locks. Report persistent anti-social behaviour to local authorities promptly, as this issue is higher in the area.

Crime in Coleford (Forest of Dean) shows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (47% of cases), likely linked to retail activity and pedestrian traffic during peak hours. Burglary rises sharply at night (21% of cases), possibly due to isolated homes in rural areas. Vehicle crime spikes between midnight and 6am (16% of cases), aligning with limited surveillance in remote zones. Other crimes dominate overnight (53% of cases), suggesting unresolved disputes or substance-related incidents in quieter hours. These patterns reflect the area's mix of urban and rural characteristics, with daytime activity driving theft and nighttime isolation enabling property crimes.

Coleford (Forest of Dean) has a crime rate 84% higher than Broadwell and Coalway (58.7 per 1,000) and 378% higher than Milkwall (22.6 per 1,000). Berry Hill (61.9 per 1,000) is 75% less crime-prone than Coleford (Forest of Dean), likely due to its smaller population and more rural character. These disparities may reflect differences in urban density, community engagement, and local policing strategies.

Anti-social behaviour is a dominant concern in Coleford (Forest of Dean), with rates 98% above the UK average, scOS offers proactive boundary detection, using AI to identify recurring disturbances near homes and trigger automated deterrents like lighting and audio alerts. This is particularly valuable in areas with persistent ASB, where visible security systems can discourage repeat incidents. The system's 2-week cloud recording provides concrete evidence for police or council reports, addressing the challenge of recurring disturbances in the same locations.