Ross-on-Wye Crime Rate

Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate of 71.9 per 1,000 residents is 21% below the UK average, reflecting a safer environment overall. However, the town’s shoplifting rate is notably higher—48% above the UK average—highlighting a unique challenge tied to its market town character. While property crime and violent offences remain relatively low, a 66.7% YoY increase in theft from the person signals a need for targeted safety measures.

Ross-on-Wye is a historic market town in Herefordshire, blending rural charm with urban amenities. Its compact built-up area includes a high street, residential zones, and a mix of independent shops and services. The town's character as a tourist destination and retail hub likely influences its crime profile, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour more prevalent in commercial areas. Proximity to natural attractions may also shape patterns, such as vehicle crime near parking areas.

The most surprising finding is Ross-on-Wye’s shoplifting rate, 11.3 per 1,000 (48% above the UK average). This likely reflects the town’s market town identity, with frequent foot traffic and retail activity creating opportunities for theft. Violence and sexual offences (23.9 per 1,000, 26% below UK average) may be linked to the area’s compact nature, where social interactions are concentrated. Anti-social behaviour (10.9 per 1,000, 26% below UK average) is lower than expected, possibly due to strong community cohesion. Property crime overall (25.5 per 1,000) is 20.4% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or deterrence measures.

Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate fell by 15.2% YoY, with most categories declining. However, theft from the person surged by 66.7%, a stark contrast. This spike may reflect specific incidents or seasonal factors, such as increased foot traffic during holidays. Shoplifting also rose by 14.8%, likely tied to the town’s retail focus. Meanwhile, property crime and anti-social behaviour dropped, suggesting effective local interventions. The overall trend highlights the need for targeted measures to address rising theft-related crimes.

How To Keep Safe in Ross-on-Wye

1. Secure valuables in anti-theft bags during shopping to mitigate shoplifting risks, which are 48% above the UK average.
2. Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public, particularly in crowded areas like the high street, where theft from the person has increased by 66.7% YoY.
3. Use well-lit, monitored pathways at night to reduce vehicle crime risks, which spike after 10pm. Community awareness of these patterns can help deter crime.
4. Report anti-social behaviour promptly, as Ross-on-Wye’s lower rates of such incidents (26% below UK average) may reflect effective community engagement.

Crime in Ross-on-Wye peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), with theft and shoplifting concentrated during this period, likely tied to retail activity and pedestrian traffic. Vehicle crime rises sharply at night (12am-6am), possibly due to fewer witnesses and opportunities for opportunistic theft. Other crimes, such as criminal damage and arson, are more common in the evening, aligning with patterns of public gatherings. Sundays show lower overall crime, possibly due to reduced commercial activity and fewer visitors.

Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate (71.9 per 1,000) is 27% higher than Ruardean’s (56.8 per 1,000), the area’s safest neighbour. This disparity likely reflects Ruardean’s more rural, less densely populated character, which naturally experiences lower crime rates. Ross-on-Wye’s market town status, with its retail and visitor activity, contributes to higher shoplifting and theft rates compared to its rural neighbour.

Home security in Ross-on-Wye should focus on deterring shoplifting and theft from the person. scOS’s proactive boundary detection and multi-camera monitoring can identify and respond to threats in real-time, reducing opportunities for opportunistic crimes. For vehicle crime, which peaks at night, scOS’s DVLA verification feature can flag suspicious vehicles, enhancing security. These technologies align with Ross-on-Wye’s need to address specific crime trends while maintaining the town’s character.