Forest of Dean Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Forest of Dean’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 4.2 per 1,000 residents, 38.2% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reveals a combination of factors shaped by the area’s rural character and seasonal rhythms. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 44.6% of all reported crimes, significantly below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000 (24% below). This may be partly explained by the area’s lower population density and limited urban infrastructure, which typically correlate with reduced opportunities for violent crime. Anti-social behaviour followed, contributing 16.2% of incidents, again well below the UK average. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday lulls, shorter days, and reduced retail footfall—likely contributes to the overall lower crime rates, as outdoor activity diminishes and public spaces become less crowded. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences suggests that targeted interventions in specific high-risk areas, such as local community hubs or transport nodes, may be necessary. The data also highlights a stark contrast in crime distribution: while property crimes (102 incidents) accounted for 27% of the total, violent crimes dominated with 168 incidents (44.6%), indicating a shift in the crime mix compared to more urban centres where property crime often dominates. This balance may reflect the area’s demographic profile, with younger populations or transient groups contributing to higher rates of violent incidents. Despite the overall lower crime rate, the seasonal dip in retail activity and reduced visibility during winter months could create conditions that make certain crimes—such as theft from the person—more likely, as seen in the month-on-month increases. The data underscores the need for tailored strategies that address both the unique geographic and social dynamics of Forest of Dean while leveraging its comparative advantage of lower crime rates.

The month saw a significant 100% increase in theft from the person, with two reported incidents compared to none in December. This rise, though small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in criminal activity patterns during the post-holiday period. Concurrently, possession of weapons rose by 66.7%, from three to five incidents, a category that is 43% above the UK average. These increases may be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced visibility and colder weather, which could facilitate discreet criminal behaviour. Vehicle crime increased by 37.5% (8 to 11), despite the UK average for this category being 73% below Forest of Dean’s rate. This suggests that while overall vehicle crime remains low, localized vulnerabilities—such as unsecured vehicles in residential areas—may be contributing to the rise. In contrast, shoplifting fell by 20% (10 to 8), aligning with the area’s 82% below the UK average for this category, due to reduced foot traffic during January.

Forest of Dean's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 4.1 per 1,000 compared to the previous month, reflecting minimal month-on-month fluctuation. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 238 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 12 crimes per day, a localised metric that highlights the frequency of incidents without direct UK-wide comparison. This daily count, while consistent with seasonal patterns of reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, underscores the need for vigilance in public spaces. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the rate is 38.2% below the UK average, a disparity that may partly reflect the area’s rural character and lower urban density, which typically correlate with lower crime rates. However, the increase in theft from the person (+100%) and possession of weapons (+66.7%) suggests localized pressures that warrant attention despite the overall stability.