Forest of Dean Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2025, Forest of Dean recorded a crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 23.5% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects a 22.0% increase from April’s rate of 5.1, indicating a recent uptick in criminal activity. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41% of all reported incidents (229 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (23.7%, 132 cases) and criminal damage and arson (6.8%, 38 cases). Seasonal factors likely played a role in these patterns, as May’s extended evenings and bank holidays may have contributed to increased outdoor socialising and associated risks. The lower-than-average rates for shoplifting (70% below UK) and vehicle crime (75% below) suggest effective local measures or demographic characteristics—such as a smaller retail presence or higher car ownership—may be influencing these trends. However, the sharp rise in violence and sexual offences, despite remaining below the UK average, warrants attention, particularly in light of local context such as the area’s mix of rural and semi-urban environments. These dynamics highlight the need for tailored strategies that balance general crime prevention with targeted interventions in high-risk categories.

May 2025 saw significant fluctuations in crime types, with violence and sexual offences rising by 42.2% (from 161 to 229 cases). This category remains 8% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. Conversely, shoplifting and vehicle crime both declined, with shoplifting falling 29.6% (from 27 to 19 cases) and vehicle crime dropping 27.8% (from 18 to 13). Other theft and drug-related crimes increased sharply, with other theft rising 57.1% (21 to 33) and drugs rising 57.1% (7 to 11). These shifts suggest a combination of seasonal factors—longer evenings and increased socialising—and local dynamics. For residents, the rise in violence and sexual offences may signal a need for heightened awareness, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic. Meanwhile, the significant drop in shoplifting could reflect improved retail security measures or seasonal changes in consumer behaviour.

The crime rate in May 2025 rose to 6.2 per 1,000 residents, a 22.0% increase from the previous month’s rate of 5.1. This shift positions Forest of Dean closer to the UK average. below it. Daily crime counts averaged 18 incidents per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a consistent presence of crime in the area. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure means one reported crime occurred for roughly every 161 residents. While this rate is lower than the UK average, the increase from April suggests a need for continued monitoring. The local population of 89,753 means that the impact of crime is distributed across a relatively low-density area, which may influence both perception and response strategies. These figures highlight the importance of contextualizing crime rates within both local and national benchmarks to avoid overestimating or underestimating trends.