Ross-on-Wye Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Ross-on-Wye during April 2023 reveals a balance between violent and property crimes that reflects the town’s character as a historic market town with a compact built-up area. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 28.1% of all crimes, the highest share, yet this rate of 2.1 per 1,000 was 19% below the UK average. This may be partly explained by the town’s relatively low population density and community-focused policing efforts, though seasonal factors like Easter and spring weather could also have influenced reporting patterns. Anti-social behaviour followed with 14.6%, a category that often correlates with small-town dynamics and localised disputes. Property crimes, including other theft (12.2%) and shoplifting (11.0%), exceeded UK averages by significant margins, linked to the town’s retail presence and tourist footfall. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and increased outdoor activity—likely contributed to fluctuations in both violent and property crime rates. While the overall rate of 7.5 per 1,000 matched the UK average, the distribution of crime types suggests that localised factors, such as the town’s historic infrastructure and proximity to natural attractions, play a role in shaping the crime profile.

April 2023 saw a dramatic 400% increase in burglary, rising from one to five incidents. This spike contrasts with a 57.1% decline in shoplifting, which dropped from 21 to nine cases, possibly linked to Easter-weekend foot traffic patterns. Violence and sexual offences fell by 14.8%, though they remained 19% below the UK average at 2.1 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences both rose sharply, with the latter doubling to 10 incidents, 41% above the UK average. Other theft and shoplifting also exceeded national rates, suggesting a combination of local factors. Residents may find the 57.1% drop in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it indicates potential success in retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during the Easter period.

Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate in April 2023 rose 5.2% from March’s 7.1 to 7.5 per 1,000 residents, aligning with the UK average. Daily crime activity averaged three incidents per day, a figure that may reflect the town’s compact built-up area and its mix of historic and modern infrastructure. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 134 residents, a ratio that contextualises the exposure for local households. This monthly aggregate does not account for seasonal fluctuations, but the Easter period and spring weather likely influenced outdoor activity patterns. The population size of 10,996 means that even small shifts in crime numbers can impact per-capita rates, as seen in the sharp rise in burglary. These figures, while consistent with national trends, highlight the need for targeted local strategies given the town’s unique demographic and geographic profile.