Forest of Dean Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Forest of Dean's crime rate in May 2024 stood at 5.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 34.5% below the UK average of 8.4. This continued trend of lower-than-national crime levels is consistent with the area's character as a largely rural district with a small town centre and significant green spaces. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (214 incidents, 43.6% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (120 incidents, 24.4%). These figures suggest a combination of local demographics and environmental factors, with the town's quieter nature potentially contributing to lower rates of property crime compared to urban areas. Seasonal patterns in May—longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—may have influenced the rise in anti-social behaviour, though this remains a small proportion of overall incidents. Conversely, the rate of violence and sexual offences was 15% below the UK average, reflecting the area's lower population density and more dispersed community structure, which may reduce opportunities for targeted offences. The overall crime profile illustrates a balance between local-specific factors and broader national trends, with Forest of Dean maintaining its position as one of the safer areas in the UK.

May 2024 saw notable shifts in Forest of Dean's crime profile, with anti-social behaviour rising by 13.2% (from 106 to 120 incidents) and drug-related offences doubling (from 3 to 6). These increases contrast with steep declines in other categories: vehicle crime fell by 51.9% (from 27 to 13), burglary dropped 39.1% (from 23 to 14), and bicycle theft fell 60% (from 5 to 2). Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 43.6% of all crimes, but this rate was 15% below the UK average. The reduction in vehicle crime may reflect seasonal changes, with fewer commuters and shorter daylight hours potentially curbing opportunities for such offences. Residents might find the 51.9% drop in vehicle crime particularly reassuring, given the area's reliance on car travel for both work and leisure.

Forest of Dean's crime rate in May 2024 fell by 10.8% compared to April, dropping from 6.1 to 5.5 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area over recent months, though the pace of reduction varied across crime categories. On average, 16 crimes were reported daily in May, a figure that contextualises the volume of incidents within the local population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 183 residents, a statistic that highlights the relative safety of the area compared to national averages. This monthly exposure rate is particularly meaningful for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of risk without overemphasising daily fluctuations. The population context further reinforces that Forest of Dean's lower crime rate is not merely a product of sparse population density but reflects systemic differences in community dynamics and policing strategies compared to larger urban centres.