Forest of Dean Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Forest of Dean recorded a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 residents in May 2023, placing it 32.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This consistent gap from national figures reflects the area's character as a largely rural district with a smaller population and lower population density, factors that may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.3% and public order offences at 9.7%. These figures align with the district's mix of urban and rural environments, where public spaces such as town centres and open areas may see higher concentrations of anti-social behaviour and public order issues. Seasonal factors in May—such as longer evenings and bank holidays—could have influenced these patterns, increasing social interactions in outdoor spaces. The area's crime profile also shows marked differences from the UK average, with violent crime rates 24% below the national average and anti-social behaviour rates 10% below. However, the lower crime rates are not uniform across all categories; for instance, other crime was 43% above the UK average, suggesting specific local challenges that require further analysis. This data illustrates the combination of geography, demographics, and seasonal rhythms in shaping Forest of Dean's crime profile.

May 2023 saw a significant 23.4% decrease in violence and sexual offences, the most common crime category, which dropped from 248 to 190 incidents. This decline may partly reflect the longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising typical of May, which could have led to more visible policing or community engagement in public spaces. Conversely, robbery cases surged by 100% compared to April, with one reported incident—marking a stark contrast to the previous month's zero cases. This anomaly could indicate a shift in criminal activity patterns, though the small sample size limits definitive conclusions. Bicycle theft also rose by 100%, from zero to three incidents, linked to seasonal changes in outdoor activity or increased cycling during warmer weather. The area's violent crime rate remains 24% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour and public order offences are also significantly below national levels. These figures suggest that while certain crime types are rising, the overall profile of Forest of Dean remains distinct from broader UK trends.

Forest of Dean's crime rate in May 2023 fell to 5.4 per 1,000 residents, a 9.3% decrease from the previous month's 5.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area over recent months. On a daily basis, the district experienced approximately 16 crimes per day in May, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 185 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides context for residents considering the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres, the local community's experience is distinct from national averages. The drop in overall crime rate contrasts with the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, underscoring the area's consistently lower-than-average crime levels. This comparison reinforces the Forest of Dean's position as a relatively safe place to live, though the small but notable increases in specific categories like robbery warrant continued attention.