Milkwall Crime Rate

Milkwall’s crime profile reveals a stark contrast between its overall safety and a sharp rise in public order incidents. With a safety score of 93/100 and a crime rate 75% below the UK average, it is one of the safest areas in the Forest of Dean. However, the 300% year-on-year increase in public order crimes highlights a pressing concern for residents. This surge, while still below national averages, may reflect local social dynamics or seasonal events that require targeted attention.

Milkwall is a small built-up area within the Forest of Dean, known for its rural charm and proximity to natural landscapes. As a commuter hub with a mix of residential and recreational spaces, its crime profile reflects a balance between low population density and limited commercial activity. The area’s safety is likely bolstered by its isolation, which deters opportunistic crime, though the rise in public order incidents may indicate local social dynamics or seasonal events.

The most surprising finding is the sharp 300% year-on-year increase in public order crimes, despite remaining 50% below the UK average. This surge may stem from increased community gatherings or seasonal events in the Forest of Dean, which could inadvertently create environments where public disorder is more likely. Anti-social behaviour, the most common crime, is 52% below the UK average, due to the area’s tight-knit community and low population density. Violence and sexual offences, though declining by 20% YoY, remain 81% below the UK average, likely reflecting the area’s safer demographics. Other crime, 17% above the UK average, may relate to specific local issues such as transient populations or underreported incidents. Property crime remains exceptionally low, with burglary and theft rates 76% and 87% below national averages respectively, aligning with Milkwall’s rural character and limited commercial exposure.

Crime in Milkwall has decreased by 9.4% year-on-year, reflecting a positive trend. However, public order crimes have surged by 300%, a sharp contrast to the overall decline. This spike may be linked to seasonal events or increased social interactions during the winter months, as January 2026 saw the highest monthly rate at 5.5 per 1,000. The fluctuation in monthly rates—peaking in January and dropping to 1.6 per 1,000 in April—suggests a seasonal pattern influenced by tourism, local festivals, or weather-related activity.

How To Keep Safe in Milkwall

To address the 300% rise in public order crimes, residents should stay informed about local events and engage with community initiatives. For property crime, ensure windows and doors are secured, especially at night when burglary peaks. Given Milkwall’s low overall crime rate, proactive measures like scOS’s AI monitoring can provide peace of mind. Community watch programs, though not explicitly named, are likely effective in maintaining the area’s safety, as lower crime rates often correlate with strong local cohesion.

Crime in Milkwall exhibits distinct patterns tied to daily rhythms. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), likely linked to retail activity and outdoor spaces. Other crime surges in the evening (6pm–12am), possibly driven by social gatherings or nightlife. Nighttime (12am–6am) sees a spike in burglary, which may correlate with isolated properties and reduced visibility. These trends suggest that while daytime theft is concentrated in public areas, nighttime crimes reflect vulnerabilities in residential security, particularly in less monitored parts of the area.

Compared to Sling (105% higher crime), Broadwell and Coalway (159% higher), and Coleford (Forest of Dean) (377% higher), Milkwall is exceptionally safe. These disparities may stem from Coleford’s larger population and more commercial activity, while Sling’s lower crime rate could reflect better infrastructure or community engagement. Milkwall’s isolation likely contributes to its lower rates of property crime and burglary.

For Milkwall’s low crime rate to remain effective, home security should focus on deterring opportunistic threats, scOS’s AI-powered perimeter detection can identify intruders before they breach property boundaries, ideal for areas with low burglary rates (0.8 per 1,000). Automated lighting and speaker systems, triggered by suspicious activity, align with Milkwall’s need to maintain vigilance against rising public order incidents. These features provide discreet, proportional protection without compromising the area’s tranquility.