Forest of Dean Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

April 2024 saw Forest of Dean's crime rate stand at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 20.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This marks the area's continued position as one of the safer local authority districts in England. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.0% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.3%) and public order offences (7.5%). These figures align with Forest of Dean's character as a largely rural district with a mix of small towns and open countryside, where community-focused policing and limited urban density may contribute to lower overall crime rates. The seasonal context of April—Easter holidays and the transition to spring—could influence patterns, as increased outdoor activity might drive anti-social behaviour and public order issues. However, the area's violent crime rate remains lower than the UK average for this category, with 2.7 per 1,000 compared to the national 2.6 per 1,000, suggesting a slight but consistent trend. The low incidence of shoplifting (85% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (36% below) may reflect the district's lower population density and fewer commercial hubs compared to major urban centres. These patterns reinforce the idea that Forest of Dean's crime profile is shaped by its rural and semi-rural landscape, where opportunities for certain types of crime are naturally constrained.

April 2024 revealed stark contrasts in crime trends, with bicycle theft surging 400% month-on-month from 1 to 5 incidents—a spike that defies expectations given the area's low population density and limited cycling infrastructure. This anomaly may hint at seasonal factors, such as increased Easter-related travel or the start of warmer weather encouraging more outdoor activity. Other crime also rose sharply, increasing by 116.7% to 13 incidents, suggesting a broader uptick in unclassified offences that could include minor disturbances or transient criminal activity. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 83.3% to 1 incident, a drop that may reflect targeted policing efforts around Easter or reduced opportunities for such crimes during the spring. The district's violent crime rate, at 2.7 per 1,000, was 5% above the UK average for this category, highlighting a specific challenge in managing aggression-related incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained exceptionally low—85% below the UK average—likely due to the area's sparse retail presence compared to urban centres. These shifts underscore the combination of seasonal rhythms and local demographics, with Forest of Dean's unique mix of rural tranquillity and small-town hubs creating a distinct crime environment that differs markedly from more densely populated regions.

Forest of Dean's crime rate in April 2024 rose 18.1% compared to March's 5.2 per 1,000, indicating a notable upward trend despite remaining well below the UK average. This increase translates to approximately 18 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while relatively low, suggests a growing demand on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 163 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the average for most UK areas, reflecting the district's sparse population and limited urban infrastructure. When viewed through the lens of the local population of 89,753, the 550 total crimes represent a manageable burden, with most residents unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives. However, the 18.1% month-on-month increase raises questions about potential underlying factors, such as the timing of Easter holidays or changes in police deployment. The daily crime count, while not alarmingly high, serves as a reminder that even low-density areas can experience fluctuations in criminal activity. For residents, this data reinforces the importance of community vigilance and the value of local policing strategies that have historically kept the district's crime rates in check.