Sling Crime Rate

Sling is a relatively safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 50.5 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in its high safety score of 88/100, well above the national average of 78. However, the area has experienced a recent upward trend, with crime increasing by 22.2% year-over-year. Property crime remains low at 11.8 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 32.9. While Sling remains a secure place to live, the rising crime trend suggests that residents should remain proactive about their home and personal safety. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of crime types and temporal patterns in Sling.

Crime in Sling

In Sling, the crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.3% of all recorded incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor, making up 28.6% of the total, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.4%. Together, these three categories represent the majority of local police activity, highlighting social and interpersonal issues as primary concerns.

Property crime in Sling, including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 11.8 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average, but still requires attention. Burglary makes up 6.5% of total crime, while other theft contributes 5.2%. Vehicle crime is remarkably low at just 1.3%. For residents, this suggests that while the risk of car-related theft is minimal, residential properties and community spaces are more likely to be affected by damage or opportunistic theft. Secure boundaries and community awareness are key to managing these risks.

Sling is currently experiencing a notable upward trend in crime, with a 22.2% increase in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data reveals that crime rates were relatively low at the end of 2024 and start of 2025, with a low of 1.3 per 1,000 in January 2025. However, activity increased significantly from March 2025 onwards. The area saw repeated peaks of 5.9 per 1,000 in March, May, and July 2025. The most recent data for October 2025 shows a rate of 5.2, which remains elevated compared to the previous year. This consistent increase throughout 2025 suggests that residents should be increasingly mindful of security and community safety.

How To Keep Safe in Sling

The most frequent crime type in Sling is violence and sexual offences. While the overall rate is low, personal safety and community awareness are important. Consider these practical tips for staying safe:

• When walking in the area, especially after dark, stick to well-lit paths and avoid isolated shortcuts or unlit alleyways.
• Be aware of your surroundings and try to travel with others when possible, particularly during late-evening hours.
• Ensure your home is well-secured with motion-activated lighting around all entry points to deter loitering and opportunistic activity.
• Report any suspicious behaviour or anti-social incidents to the local police immediately to help them identify and address emerging patterns.
• Keep your valuables, such as mobile phones and jewellery, out of sight when in public spaces to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

Crime in Sling shows distinct temporal trends, particularly regarding property-related offences. Theft is most prevalent during the daylight hours, accounting for 36% of activity in both the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm). This suggests opportunistic activity when the area is most active. In contrast, burglary risk becomes more concentrated as the day progresses, peaking at 38% during the night (12am - 6am). Interestingly, the evening period (6pm - 12am) is dominated by "other" crime types, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 54% of incidents. This indicates that while daytime and nighttime are higher risk for theft and burglary, the evening hours are more prone to social-related offences.

In the local context, Sling compares favourably to some of its larger neighbours but is less secure than the quietest settlements. Its crime rate of 50.5 is significantly lower than Coleford, which records 122.6 crimes per 1,000 people, and is also lower than Broadwell and Coalway at 60.4. However, it is more than double the rate of Milkwall (21.9) and much higher than Clearwell, which reported 0.0 crimes. For residents of the Forest of Dean local authority, Sling represents a safer-than-average option, though the recent 22.2% increase in crime is a factor to consider when comparing it to its immediate neighbours.

With crime in Sling increasing by 22.2% over the last year, relying on traditional security like recording-only cameras may no longer be sufficient. Most burglars make their decision in under a minute; if they see a house that only records them, they may still proceed. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary, not after a break-in has occurred.

The scOS operating system monitors all your cameras simultaneously, using intelligent pattern learning to recognise your family and routines while identifying genuine threats. When a potential intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously engage speakers and lights, destroying the element of surprise. This proactive stance is designed to prevent the crime entirely. For Sling homeowners, especially given that burglary is a top-three crime type, scOS provides the kind of professional-grade deterrence that makes criminals move on to easier targets.