Ruspidge Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Ruspidge, a village within the Forest of Dean, reveal a crime rate of 52.0 per 1,000 residents over the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment. However, a closer examination of the data is essential to understand the specific types of crime prevalent in the area and the trends observed. While the overall safety score for Ruspidge is 88 out of 100, which is above the UK average of 79, it's important to be aware of the particular challenges and concerns within the community.

The crime landscape in Ruspidge is primarily shaped by its rural setting and the characteristics of its small community. The most prevalent issues revolve around incidents of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.7% of recorded crimes, followed closely by anti-social behaviour (32.1%). Criminal damage and arson represent a further 8.5% of incidents, highlighting occasional concerns regarding property vandalism. While overall property crime rates are relatively low at 8.3 per 1,000 residents annually, the presence of these offences, along with public order issues and other forms of theft, contribute to the overall crime picture. The close-knit nature of the community, coupled with occasional visitor traffic, likely influences these trends. Understanding the specific nuances of Ruspidge’s demographics and local activities is key to interpreting these statistics.

Crime rates in Ruspidge have been steadily decreasing over the period from January 2025 to December 2025, with a year-on-year reduction of 5.4%. While the monthly data fluctuates, with peaks in May, August, October and November, there is a clear downward trend. For example, the crime rate in January 2025 was 1.5 per 1,000, compared to 3.4 per 1,000 in December 2025. This decrease may be attributed to increased community engagement, proactive policing strategies, or a combination of factors. Continued monitoring of these trends is essential to ensure the ongoing safety and security of Ruspidge.

How To Keep Safe in Ruspidge

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Ruspidge, it's crucial to prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be mindful of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Secondly, consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to increase community vigilance. Thirdly, ensure your home and vehicle are securely locked, particularly during the evening hours when vehicle crime is more likely. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the local authorities promptly. Remember, being proactive and aware can significantly contribute to your personal safety and the overall security of Ruspidge.

Crime in Ruspidge exhibits varying patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), burglaries are comparatively low, with theft and other crimes being the most frequent occurrences. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a rise in theft and other crimes, aligning with commercial hours. The evening (6pm-12am) sees a slight increase in vehicle crime and a continuation of other crimes. However, the most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), when burglaries and vehicle crime experience a noticeable uptick, suggesting a period of increased vulnerability. Understanding these patterns can inform preventative measures and enhance community vigilance.

Ruspidge’s crime rate stands in contrast to some of its neighbours. Cinderford, for example, experiences a significantly higher crime rate of 106.1 per 1,000 residents, while Littledean and Pope's Hill report zero recorded crimes. Newnham (Forest of Dean) has a rate of 55.3 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight the relative safety of Ruspidge within the wider Forest of Dean landscape, although it is important to consider the differing demographics and local factors that might contribute to these variations.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they’ve occurred, providing little preventative value. The rising crime rate, even in seemingly safe areas like Ruspidge, underscores the need for a more proactive approach. Consider scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system that detects threats at your property boundary – before a break-in can happen. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras, scOS watches all cameras simultaneously, utilising multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification to instantly recognise suspicious activity. The visible presence of scOS, with its professional-grade equipment and autonomous response (lights activating, speakers engaging), creates an immediate deterrent, often prompting potential intruders to move on within those crucial first 60 seconds. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively protecting your home is another.