Forest of Dean Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Forest of Dean’s crime rate in June 2023 stood at 6.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 23.5% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This performance contrasts with national trends, reflecting a unique local dynamic. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.5% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (23.0%) and public order issues (10.2%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal conflicts and community-level disruptions, possibly linked to the area’s character as a rural district with mixed urban and semi-rural elements. Seasonal factors may also play a role, as June marks the beginning of summer and the gradual resumption of tourism in nearby coastal areas. However, the relatively low overall crime rate compared to the UK average indicates effective local policing or community cohesion. The breakdown shows that Forest of Dean’s violent crime rate (2.7 per 1,000) is 8% below the UK average for this category, while anti-social behaviour is marginally above the national figure. This mix of outcomes may stem from the area’s geography, where open spaces and lower population density could reduce opportunities for certain crimes but also create environments where disputes escalate. The absence of significant spikes in property crime—such as burglary (0.3 per 1,000) or vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000)—further highlights a divergence from typical urban crime profiles. These patterns are likely influenced by Forest of Dean’s specific socio-economic context, including its historical ties to industry and its current status as a commuter hub for larger cities. As the summer progresses, continued monitoring of crime trends will be essential to understand how seasonal factors interact with these baseline rates.

June 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns compared to May, with theft from the person increasing by 100% (from 0 to 2 incidents) and possession of weapons also rising by 100% (from 3 to 6). These spikes, though small in absolute terms, may indicate emerging issues in specific areas or heightened police visibility. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), and vehicle crime dropped by 53.8% (from 13 to 6), suggesting potential success in targeted interventions or seasonal changes in activity. The violent crime category, which constitutes 41.5% of all crimes, remains significantly below the UK average (2.7 vs 2.9 per 1,000), highlighting Forest of Dean’s relatively safer environment for this category. Anti-social behaviour, however, is 1% above the UK average, which could reflect local challenges in managing public spaces. The sharp decline in shoplifting (81% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (79% below) underscores the area’s effectiveness in addressing these specific issues, through community engagement or improved surveillance. For residents, the 100% increase in theft from the person—a rare occurrence—may prompt heightened awareness in public areas, particularly during the summer months when foot traffic increases.

Forest of Dean’s June 2023 crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents represents a 19.7% increase from May’s rate of 5.4 per 1,000, though it remains well below the UK average. This month saw roughly 19 crimes reported daily, translating to one reported crime for every 155 residents over the course of the month. When compared to the UK’s average of 8.5 per 1,000, Forest of Dean’s performance highlights a distinct regional advantage in crime prevention. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a lower risk of experiencing crime than the national average, with violent crime rates particularly lower. However, the 19.7% monthly increase raises questions about whether this reflects temporary fluctuations or broader trends. For context, the daily crime figure of 19 per day is a local metric that does not directly compare to UK-wide averages, as national statistics are not provided in this format. The monthly exposure of 1-in-155 residents being affected by crime is a useful benchmark for understanding risk levels—placing Forest of Dean in a category where crime is less frequent than in many urban areas. This comparison suggests that local factors, such as community policing, geographic isolation, or socio-economic characteristics, may contribute to the area’s relatively low crime rates. While the increase from May is notable, the overall picture remains one of comparative safety, reinforcing the importance of maintaining current strategies to sustain this trend.