Forest of Dean Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 saw Forest of Dean record a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000, 21.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This performance, while commendable, was marked by an unexpected surge in theft from the person, which rose from zero to two incidents—a 100% increase—highlighting a sudden shift in crime patterns. The area’s crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (46.5% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.6%) and public order offences (10.1%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal and community-level issues, which may be influenced by the area’s seasonal dynamics. April, with its Easter holidays and spring weather, likely drove increased outdoor activity, potentially contributing to the rise in theft from the person and public order incidents. However, the overall rate remains lower than the UK average, with property crimes (104) far outstripped by violent crimes (248). This imbalance may reflect the area’s character as a mix of rural and semi-urban communities, where social interactions and community cohesion play a role in crime trends. The UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.6 per 1,000) is 8% lower than Forest of Dean’s rate, underscoring the localised nature of this category. Meanwhile, categories such as vehicle crime and shoplifting are significantly below the UK average, consistent with the area’s lower population density and fewer commercial hubs compared to major urban centres. These patterns illustrate the combination of geography, seasonality, and local demographics in shaping crime rates.

The most striking month-on-month change was a 100% rise in theft from the person, with two incidents reported in April after none in March. This spike, though small in absolute terms, may reflect increased foot traffic during the Easter period or heightened awareness among residents. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose by 43.5% (23 to 33), potentially linked to seasonal activities or property maintenance during the spring. Public order offences also increased by 35%, tied to the Easter holiday and associated gatherings. In contrast, drug-related crimes fell by 16.7% (12 to 10), and other theft decreased by 15.2% (33 to 28), indicating some shifts in criminal activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained 8% above the UK average (2.8 per 1,000), while vehicle crime was 78% below the national rate (0.1 vs 0.5 per 1,000), underscoring Forest of Dean’s distinct crime profile compared to the UK as a whole.

The crime rate in Forest of Dean rose by 4.4% from March 2023 (5.7 per 1,000) to April 2023 (5.9 per 1,000), reflecting a slight upward trend. This increase, though modest, contrasts with the area’s overall position below the UK average. Over the course of April, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. On a daily basis, 18 crimes were recorded, highlighting the frequency of incidents despite the area’s relatively low crime rate. This daily context may be particularly relevant for residents and businesses seeking to understand local risks, though the monthly aggregate suggests that the area remains significantly safer than the UK average. The population-scaled perspective—1-in-168 residents experiencing a crime—provides a tangible measure of risk that aligns with the area’s character as a largely rural district with a mix of urban and semi-rural communities.