Forest of Dean Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Forest of Dean's crime rate in June 2024 was 5.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 30.5% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This performance contrasts sharply with national trends, reflecting a unique local profile shaped by the area's rural character and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41.9% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (26.2%) and criminal damage and arson (7.6%). These patterns align with the Forest of Dean's mix of urban and rural spaces, where public areas and community hubs may contribute to higher rates of violent and anti-social incidents. The month's position as the start of summer likely influenced crime trends, with longer daylight hours potentially increasing outdoor activity and associated risks. However, the area's overall safety remains notable, with property crimes (107 total) and theft-related offences (including shoplifting and vehicle crime) significantly below UK averages. This suggests effective local policing or community engagement strategies, though further analysis would be needed to confirm causal links. The relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime—both 34-78% below national averages—may be attributed to the Forest of Dean's lower population density and limited commercial activity compared to major urban centres. These findings highlight a combination of local geography, policing priorities, and seasonal factors that shape the area's crime profile in ways distinct from the UK average.

June 2024 saw notable shifts in Forest of Dean's crime mix, with increases in burglary (+57.1%, from 14 to 22 incidents) and other crime (+75%, from 12 to 21). These rises may reflect seasonal changes, such as more people visiting the area for summer activities or increased commercial activity in local towns. Conversely, public order offences dropped by 46.5% (from 43 to 23), possibly linked to the start of the summer season and reduced incidents in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour remained a persistent concern, with rates 7% above the UK average (1.5 vs 1.4 per 1,000). This discrepancy could indicate local challenges in managing community behaviour, though anti-social behaviour constitutes a significant portion of the area's crime mix. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates fell 30.8% (from 13 to 9), aligning with the UK's broader trend of declining retail crime. The most striking anomaly was the 200% increase in possession of weapons offences (from 1 to 3), a figure that may warrant closer attention given its potential implications for public safety. For residents, the 34% reduction in criminal damage and arson (0.4 vs 0.6 per 1,000) compared to the UK average offers a tangible reassurance of local safety, particularly in rural areas where such crimes might be expected to be more prevalent.

Forest of Dean's crime rate in June 2024 (5.7 per 1,000) represents a 4.0% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.5, though it remains well below the UK average. This small upward trend suggests a possible seasonal shift, with summer activities potentially influencing crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 17 crimes per day in June, a figure that provides a concrete reference for residents assessing local risk levels. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 176 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK's average. This statistic highlights the Forest of Dean's relatively low crime burden compared to the national picture, even as it continues to see small fluctuations. When viewed through the lens of population size (89,753 residents), the area's crime profile demonstrates a balance between urban and rural dynamics—lower property crime rates compared to the UK, but higher rates of violent and anti-social incidents. The 30.5% gap between the Forest of Dean's rate and the UK's average underscores the effectiveness of local crime prevention efforts, though this comparison does not account for differences in policing styles or reporting practices. For a resident, the 1-in-176 monthly exposure rate offers a tangible measure of safety, illustrating that the vast majority of the population remains unaffected by crime in any given month.