Rural Forest of Dean Crime Rate

Rural Forest of Dean stands out for its remarkably low crime rate—47.7 per 1,000 residents, 48% below the UK average. Despite a 6.3% annual decline in crime, the area’s criminal damage and arson rate has surged by 120.5% YoY, a sharp contrast to its overall safety profile. This juxtaposition of falling crime and rising vandalism invites closer examination of local factors, from seasonal influences to the unique interplay of rural and built-up environments.

Rural Forest of Dean is a built-up area within the Forest of Dean, a rural region in Gloucestershire. Its relatively low population density and mix of residential and natural landscapes may contribute to its crime profile. The area’s proximity to open countryside may reduce opportunities for certain crimes, but its small-scale commercial hubs and community spaces could influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

The most surprising finding is that criminal damage and arson has surged by 120.5% YoY, yet remains 19% below the UK average. This likely reflects seasonal factors, such as increased outdoor activity during winter or the presence of unsecured rural properties. Violence and sexual offences, though 42% below the UK average, may be influenced by the area’s smaller population and limited nightlife. Anti-social behaviour remains notably low, possibly due to strong community ties. Burglary, however, is 9% above the UK average—likely linked to the area’s mix of rural and built-up spaces, which may create vulnerable points for opportunistic intrusions.

Crime in Rural Forest of Dean has decreased by 6.3% YoY, with the most dramatic change being a 120.5% rise in criminal damage and arson. This spike, despite remaining 19% below the UK average, may reflect seasonal factors such as increased outdoor activity or unsecured rural properties. Violence and sexual offences have fallen by 20.4% YoY, possibly due to reduced social interactions or effective local policing. The area’s monthly trend shows a peak in May 2025 (5.3 per 1,000), likely linked to tourism or seasonal events.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Forest of Dean

For the 9% higher burglary rate compared to the UK average, secure all entry points with robust locks and consider scOS’s boundary detection. During peak vehicle crime hours (night), park in well-lit, monitored areas. Anti-social behaviour, though low, may rise during weekends—stay aware in community spaces. Use scOS’s real-time alerts to monitor unusual activity, particularly in the evenings when burglary peaks.

Crime in Rural Forest of Dean peaks during the night, with burglary accounting for 34% of incidents between midnight and 6am. Vehicle crime also rises sharply overnight, possibly due to unsecured parking in rural areas. Theft, meanwhile, peaks in the afternoon (43% of incidents between 12pm-6pm), aligning with commercial activity. Burglary is most frequent in the evening (26%), suggesting potential links to returning residents or weekend activity. The area’s low public order crime (54% below UK average) may reflect its quieter, more residential character.

Compared to the UK average, Rural Forest of Dean is significantly safer, with a crime rate 47.7% lower and a safety score 10 points higher. While no specific nearby areas are available for comparison, the area’s rural character and lower population density likely contribute to its lower crime rates relative to urban counterparts.

For residents in Rural Forest of Dean, proactive home security is key. Given the area’s 9% higher burglary rate than the UK average, scOS’s boundary detection and multi-camera monitoring can deter intruders before they act. Its vehicle crime rate is 67% below average, but DVLA verification remains useful for rural parking areas. scOS’s behavioural learning also reduces false alarms, ideal for quieter communities where most threats are opportunistic.