Rural Forest of Dean Crime Rate

Crime statistics for the Rural Forest of Dean, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a crime rate of 48.6 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to many areas across the country. While the safety score stands at a respectable 88 out of 100, a closer examination of the crime breakdown highlights specific areas of concern. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, alongside anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. Overall, crime rates have remained stable, showing a slight decrease of 2.6% year-on-year, offering a degree of reassurance, but continued vigilance and preventative measures remain essential.

The most prevalent crimes in the Rural Forest of Dean, as of December 2025, are concerningly related to personal safety and social disruption. Violence and sexual offences account for 38.9% of recorded incidents, totalling 305 crimes. This is followed by anti-social behaviour, which represents 17.7% of all crimes (139 incidents), and criminal damage and arson at 10.6% (83 crimes). While burglary represents only 8.2% of incidents (64 crimes), the presence of these crime types contributes to a feeling of unease within the community. Overall property crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and criminal damage, totals 15.5 per 1,000 residents, indicating a need for targeted interventions to address these specific issues and bolster community resilience.

Crime rates in the Rural Forest of Dean have demonstrated a stable trend, showing a decrease of 2.6% year-on-year. Examining the monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations, with peak months occurring in May (5.3 per 1,000) and October (4.8 per 1,000). However, the lowest monthly rates were observed in September (3.0 per 1,000) and November (3.0 per 1,000). This slight decrease suggests a positive, albeit gradual, improvement in overall safety, warranting continued monitoring and targeted interventions to sustain this trend.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Forest of Dean

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Due to the higher incidence of anti-social behaviour, consider joining local community watch schemes to foster a sense of collective responsibility. With criminal damage and arson being a significant concern, secure valuables and ensure proper maintenance of your property to minimize vulnerability. Finally, when it comes to vehicle crime, always park in well-lit areas and consider using a steering wheel lock.

Crime patterns in the Rural Forest of Dean reveal some distinct trends. Burglary is most likely to occur during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), with 30% of incidents occurring during this period. Vehicle crime is more prevalent during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 21% of incidents. Theft is also a significant concern during commercial hours, with a considerable portion occurring in the morning and afternoon. These patterns suggest that targeted preventative measures during these peak times could significantly reduce crime rates.

Compared to similar built-up areas in the Forest of Dean, the Rural Forest of Dean exhibits a lower overall crime rate. Neighbouring settlements generally report higher incidents of vehicle crime and public order offences, while the Rural Forest of Dean experiences a higher proportion of violent crime. This disparity may be linked to variations in population density, economic factors, and the prevalence of rural versus urban lifestyles within each area. A comprehensive understanding requires a deeper analysis of the socio-economic conditions impacting each community.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive solution – recording crime after it has occurred. Reading crime statistics for the Rural Forest of Dean is one thing; actively preventing threats is another. scOS takes a proactive approach, leveraging AI to detect potential risks at your property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence monitors all cameras simultaneously, identifying suspicious activity that traditional systems would miss. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags fake number plates, a common tactic used in rural crime. The visible presence of scOS, with its pattern learning and autonomous response capabilities – including automatic lighting and speaker activation – acts as a powerful deterrent, often prompting potential offenders to move on within those critical first 60 seconds. If you’re serious about protecting your home and family in the Rural Forest of Dean, consider a security system that prevents crime, rather than just recording it.