Ross-on-Wye Crime Rate

Ross-on-Wye maintains a solid reputation for safety, with an overall crime rate of 73.6 per 1,000 residents for the period between December 2024 and November 2025. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to a high safety score of 84/100. The crime trend in Ross-on-Wye is currently decreasing, with a -15.9% change year-over-year, indicating an improving safety environment in the town. While the area is statistically safer than many parts of the UK, residents should still be aware of the local crime breakdown to take appropriate precautions. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types, temporal patterns, and safety advice tailored to the Ross-on-Wye community.

In Ross-on-Wye, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences (33.6%), anti-social behaviour (16.9%), and shoplifting (13.7%). Violence and sexual offences occur at a rate of 24.7 per 1,000 residents, which is the primary driver of local statistics in the town.

Property-related crime in Ross-on-Wye, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, has a combined rate of 24.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Specifically, shoplifting is the most prominent property crime, while burglary and vehicle crime each account for a small percentage of total crime. For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while property crime is less frequent than the national average, shoplifting and theft are consistent issues. The decreasing trend direction is a positive indicator, but the steady presence of theft and anti-social behaviour still warrants effective security measures.

Ross-on-Wye's crime rate has shown a positive downward trend, with a -15.9% decrease recorded over the last year. Monthly data reveals a consistent pattern, starting at 5.1 crimes per 1,000 in December 2024 and ending at 6.5 in November 2025. The most significant peak occurred in August 2025, when the rate reached 7.2.

This trend indicates an improving safety environment. For residents, this means that while the town is safe and getting safer, the consistent level of activity suggests that standard security measures should be maintained. Staying informed about the occasional monthly peaks, such as those seen in August and July, can help residents be more vigilant during slightly more active periods.

How To Keep Safe in Ross-on-Wye

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Ross-on-Wye, accounting for 33.6% of all incidents. While the town is generally safe and crime is decreasing, taking proactive steps for personal safety is advised.

1. Town Awareness: When walking through the town centre, especially during the evening, stay alert and stick to well-lit paths. Avoid using headphones which can reduce your situational awareness.
2. Business Security: Shoplifting is a significant issue in Ross-on-Wye. Local business owners should consider high-visibility deterrents and staff training on identifying suspicious behaviour.
3. Secure Your Home: While burglary rates are low, ensure all entry points are secured with high-quality locks and consider an alarm system.
4. Vehicle Safety: Vehicle crime peaks at night. If you park on the street, ensure no valuables are left on display and consider using a steering lock.
5. Community Engagement: Join a local neighbourhood watch or community group to stay informed about recent incidents and share safety tips with your neighbours.

Crime in Ross-on-Wye follows distinct temporal patterns that residents should be aware of. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are heavily associated with theft, which accounts for 41% of crimes during this period. As the afternoon (12pm-6pm) progresses, theft remains the primary concern at 44%, while burglary risk rises to 16%.

The evening (6pm-12am) sees a shift towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 62% of the total. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime becomes a much more significant threat, accounting for 21% of recorded incidents. Burglary also peaks during these quiet hours, representing 19% of the period's crime. These patterns suggest that while daytime security should focus on personal property and theft prevention, the night requires robust measures to protect vehicles and home perimeters. Residents should be particularly mindful of vehicle safety in the early morning hours.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Ross-on-Wye is the most active urban centre. While nearby areas like Wilton and Bridstow, Weston under Penyard, and Lea reported no crimes during this period, Ross-on-Wye has a crime rate of 73.6 per 1,000. It is also more active than Ruardean, which has a rate of 54.0. As a primary market town, Ross-on-Wye naturally sees more activity than these smaller settlements, but the disparity highlights the importance of local security for those living in the town centre compared to the outlying villages. Ross-on-Wye offers a safe urban environment that is well below the national average.

With a property crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 and shoplifting being a top local concern, Ross-on-Wye homeowners and business owners should consider the benefits of proactive security. Traditional security cameras are often reactive, providing footage of a crime only after it has occurred. In an area where theft and anti-social behaviour are steady issues, prevention is far more valuable than a recording of the event.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system offers a proactive approach to protection. By monitoring your property perimeters with intelligent AI, scOS can identify potential threats before they escalate into a break-in or act of theft. It can distinguish between regular visitors and suspicious activity, and autonomously trigger deterrents like security lighting or audio alerts. For Ross-on-Wye residents, this means that a potential intruder is deterred at the gate, rather than being caught on camera after they have reached your front door. scOS turns your existing cameras into an active defence system, helping to maintain the safety of your home or business in an improving but active town.