Lydney Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 marked a shift in Lydney’s crime profile, with the area recording a crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents — 1.2% below the UK average of 8.1. This slight edge over the national figure contrasts with the preceding month’s rate of 10.2 per 1,000, reflecting a 21.2% decline in overall crime. The most significant category by volume was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37 incidents (47.4% of total crimes), a figure 44% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed with 10 reports (12.8% of total crimes), 31% below the UK average, suggesting a localised effort in managing community tensions. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, as August typically sees increased tourism and empty homes due to holiday absences, which could theoretically elevate burglary risks. However, the sharp drop in shoplifting and criminal damage compared to July — with both categories down 42.9% — may reflect reduced foot traffic in retail areas during peak holiday periods. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted with violent offences dominating the monthly tally despite a 21% overall decrease. This mix aligns with Lydney’s character as a built-up area within the Forest of Dean, where seasonal tourism and transient populations may contribute to fluctuations in violent crime rates.

The most striking month-on-month change was the 100% increase in robbery, burglary, and theft from the person — each category rising from zero to one incident in August. While small in absolute terms, these spikes may signal heightened vulnerability in specific areas, such as unoccupied homes during summer holidays. Conversely, public order offences fell by 50% compared to July, possibly linked to reduced summer gatherings or increased policing efforts. Violent crime, though down overall, remains high: 3.8 per 1,000 residents in August (UK average: 2.6), a 44% gap that suggests localised pressures. This disparity could be attributed to Lydney’s proximity to the M5 motorway, which may see higher transient populations during peak travel periods. Shoplifting dropped 42.9% to four incidents, due to fewer tourists in retail hubs or targeted interventions by local businesses. The category of 'other crime' also rose sharply, 131% above the UK average. These shifts highlight the interplay between seasonal factors and local demographics, with tourism and transient populations likely contributing to both spikes and declines in specific crime types.

Lydney’s August 2023 crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents represents a 21.2% drop from the previous month’s rate of 10.2, a change that translates to approximately 18 fewer crimes in a single month. This reduction places the area in a more favourable position compared to the UK average. On a daily basis, residents faced roughly three crimes per day in August — a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance in high-risk areas. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 125 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly lower than the UK average (which would be around 1 in 123 for an equivalent rate). This statistic, however, does not account for population density variations between Lydney and other regions. When scaled to Lydney’s population of 9,713, the 78 reported crimes represent a manageable burden for local policing resources. The decline from July’s higher rate may reflect the impact of summer holidays, with reduced activity in some sectors and increased patrols in others. While the drop is encouraging, the persistence of violent crime above the UK average indicates that targeted interventions in this category may still be necessary to sustain the downward trend.