Lydney Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Lydney's crime rate stood at 7.1 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 4.4% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure underscores a persistent challenge for a built-up area within the Forest of Dean, where the balance between property and violent crime has shifted markedly. Violent crimes dominated the landscape, accounting for 33 of the 69 total incidents—nearly double the 14 property crimes reported. This imbalance may reflect seasonal factors, as January typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which can influence both victim behaviour and criminal opportunities. The data also reveals that violence and sexual offences were 36% above the UK average, a figure that could be linked to the area's demographic composition or local pressures. Meanwhile, property crimes remained relatively low, consistent with the character of Lydney as a smaller, more tightly-knit community where social cohesion may deter certain types of crime. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday, with fewer tourists and reduced commercial activity—may have created conditions where interpersonal conflicts, rather than opportunistic theft, became more prominent. This pattern could also be influenced by the area's rural-urban hybrid nature, where limited public spaces and sparse population density might contribute to higher rates of direct confrontation. The UK comparison further highlights that while Lydney's overall rate is slightly above average, specific categories like 'other crime' are elevated, suggesting unique local challenges that may require tailored responses.

January 2026 marked a dramatic spike in 'other crime' incidents, rising 700% from 1 to 8 cases—a shift that may signal underreported or evolving criminal activity. This surge, combined with a 100% increase in drug-related crimes and possession of weapons, highlights a significant departure from December's figures. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell by 45.5% and other theft dropped 50%, suggesting targeted policing or seasonal factors may have temporarily curbed these categories. Violent crime remained the dominant category, accounting for 47.8% of all incidents—well above the UK average for this category (2.5 per 1,000). The stark contrast between property crimes (14 total) and violent crimes (33 total) suggests a shift in criminal focus, influenced by post-holiday dynamics or unmet demand for services in the area. Residents may find the 700% rise in 'other crime' particularly noteworthy, as this category is not explicitly defined in the data but could include fraud or cybercrime.

Lydney's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 25.4% compared to December 2025, climbing from 5.7 to 7.1 per 1,000 residents. This increase places the area 4.4% above the UK average, a gap that may reflect local dynamics rather than national trends. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported across the 31 days, translating to roughly one crime for every 141 residents over the month. This monthly exposure figure offers a tangible sense of risk for residents, though it does not account for variations in individual risk profiles. The population context further highlights that, despite the rise, the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low—69 total incidents across 9,713 residents. This suggests that while the rate has climbed, the scale of the issue remains manageable for a small built-up area. The comparison to the UK average also underscores the importance of local factors, such as seasonal transitions or community-specific pressures, in shaping crime patterns.