Rural Forest of Dean Crime Rate

Rural Forest of Dean maintains a highly favourable safety profile, characterized by an overall crime rate of 51.1 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 88/100. Recent data indicates that the crime trend is stable, with a minor year-over-year change of 1.5%. This consistency suggests a reliable environment for the community. While the area enjoys a high degree of security compared to national benchmarks, understanding the specific types of crime and their timing is essential for residents to maintain this standard of safety. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local statistics to help you understand the current landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Rural Forest of Dean

Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of local crime, accounting for 39.6% of all recorded incidents (20.3 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.8% and criminal damage and arson at 9.2%. Combined, property-related crimes—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—occur at a rate of 15.6 per 1,000 people. While this is substantially lower than the UK average of 32.9, it remains a focal point for security. For homeowners, the prevalence of burglary (7.6% of total crime) and vehicle crime suggests that while the area is statistically safe, opportunistic property offences still require proactive measures to maintain the security of residential premises and personal assets.

Crime Trends in Rural Forest of Dean

The crime rate in Rural Forest of Dean has remained stable over the past year, with a minor 1.5% increase in total recorded incidents. Monthly data shows a relatively consistent pattern with typical seasonal fluctuations. The rate reached its highest points in May 2025 (5.3) and November 2024 (5.2), while the lowest recorded rate was in September 2025 at 3.0 per 1,000 residents. Other months, such as January (4.7) and October (4.8), show a steady baseline of activity. This stability is a positive indicator for residents, suggesting that there are no emerging crime waves or significant shifts in local safety. The consistent performance of the area reinforces its status as a secure location within the Forest of Dean local authority.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Forest of Dean

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crime type in the area. While these figures often include a wide range of incidents, maintaining personal safety remains a priority. To enhance your security, consider the following advice:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening and night hours when visibility is reduced.
2. Ensure that home entrances and pathways are well-lit with motion-sensor lighting to deter unwanted loitering and improve visibility.
3. If you are a victim of or witness to anti-social behaviour, report it promptly to local authorities to help them map and address recurring issues.
4. Use a personal safety app or let someone know your expected arrival time when travelling through less populated areas.
5. Participate in local community watch schemes to stay informed about recent incidents and share safety tips with neighbours.

Time Patterns of Crime in Rural Forest of Dean

Analysis of crime timing reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary is a persistent threat across all time periods, but it peaks significantly during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 34% of incidents in that window, and in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) at 30%. This suggests that criminals target properties when they are either unoccupied during the day or when residents are asleep. Vehicle crime is also most prevalent during the night, representing 27% of recorded offences, as quiet streets provide cover for opportunistic theft. Theft-related offences are most common during the morning and afternoon, likely coinciding with increased commercial activity and movement in the area. Evening hours see a shift toward 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 45% of incidents during this period.

When considering the wider region, Rural Forest of Dean stands out as a particularly secure enclave. It maintains a lower crime rate than many of its urban neighbours within the Forest of Dean local authority. This regional context is important for those looking to relocate or invest in the area, as it highlights the settlement's status as a low-crime alternative to busier commercial hubs. Comparing these figures against the UK average of 93.1 per 1,000, the area's performance is consistently superior, providing a sense of security that is common across the more rural parts of the Gloucestershire countryside.

Protecting Your Property in Rural Forest of Dean

With a property crime rate of 15.6 per 1,000 residents, Rural Forest of Dean is statistically safe, yet the presence of burglary and vehicle crime necessitates a modern approach to home security. Traditional CCTV systems often serve as reactive tools, providing footage of a crime only after it has occurred. In a rural or semi-rural setting, the delay in response can be critical.

The scOS operating system transforms your security from reactive recording to proactive prevention. By utilizing multi-camera AI intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. For residents in areas where night-time burglary is a specific concern, scOS offers autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio deterrents, to destroy the element of surprise. This proactive stance is far more effective than DIY systems that merely notify you of a breach. Investing in professional-grade, AI-powered protection ensures that your home remains a hard target, encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on.