Forest of Dean Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

The Forest of Dean's crime rate in April 2025 stood at 5.1 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 33.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This marked contrast with national trends is particularly notable given the area's status as a largely rural district with a mix of historic towns, open countryside, and a small but active population. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.2% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (21.6%) and criminal damage and arson (10.5%). These figures align with the area's seasonal patterns, as April's Easter period and spring weather typically see increased outdoor activity, which may contribute to higher rates of public order incidents and anti-social behaviour. However, the most striking deviation from expectations lies in the sharp rise in drug-related crimes, which jumped 75% from March to April, suggesting a potential shift in local dynamics that deserves closer attention. This increase contrasts with the overall downward trend in other categories, including a 66.7% drop in robbery and a 27.6% decrease in other theft, which may reflect improved community policing efforts or seasonal factors such as the end of school holidays reducing opportunities for certain crimes. The area's relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average is consistent with its rural character, where crime is often concentrated in specific pockets such as town centres and transport hubs, rather than being evenly distributed. This pattern suggests that targeted interventions in high-risk areas could maintain the current downward trajectory while addressing emerging concerns like the rise in drug-related offences.

April 2025 saw a 75% increase in drug-related crimes, marking the most significant month-on-month jump in Forest of Dean's crime history. This surge, from 4 to 7 reported incidents, contrasts sharply with the 66.7% decline in robbery and 27.6% reduction in other theft, which may reflect seasonal changes or shifts in criminal activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 35.2% of all crimes, but they were 31% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour also showed a notable 27.2% decrease, possibly linked to the Easter holiday period reducing crowding in public spaces. The 55% reduction in shoplifting compared to the UK average (0.7 per 1,000) is particularly noteworthy, given the area's limited retail presence outside of major towns. Meanwhile, bicycle theft rose by 33.3%, suggesting a possible increase in cycling activity or targeted thefts in specific locations. These shifts highlight the importance of localized analysis, as national averages may not fully capture the nuances of Forest of Dean's crime profile. For residents, the 22.7% increase in shoplifting (from 22 to 27 cases) underscores the need for continued vigilance in retail areas, despite the overall decline in property crimes. The data also reveals a 100% drop in theft from the person, which may indicate successful crime prevention measures in public spaces.

April 2025's crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents represented a 10.8% decrease from March's rate of 5.7 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend in the area. On a daily basis, Forest of Dean experienced approximately 15 crimes per day in April, a figure that, while seemingly high, is contextualized by the area's population of 89,753. This translates to a monthly exposure rate of 1 crime per 196 residents, a statistic that, while not alarmingly frequent, highlights the importance of localized crime management. Comparing these figures to the UK average reveals Forest of Dean's significant safety advantage: its overall crime rate is 33.8% lower than the national average, with several categories showing even greater disparities. For instance, violent crime rates were 31% below the UK average, and shoplifting incidents were 55% lower. However, the 75% increase in drug-related crimes raises questions about whether this trend is a temporary anomaly or a sign of deeper changes. The 15 daily crimes figure, while consistent with previous months, may feel more pronounced in a rural area where community cohesion is typically strong. Residents should note that while the overall trend is positive, the rise in drug-related offences could signal a need for targeted interventions in specific locations, such as transport hubs or areas with increased transient populations during the Easter period.