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

For a population of 10,996, Ross-on-Wye recorded 75 crimes in December 2023, translating to a crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents—5.6% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This rate reflects a mix of local dynamics, with violence and sexual offences (23 cases) making up nearly a third of all reported crimes, followed by other theft (13 cases) and anti-social behaviour (12 cases). The seasonal context of December—characterised by long evenings, holiday shopping, and empty homes during the festive period—likely contributes to patterns observed in the data. Violence and sexual offences, while down by 14.8% from November, remain a significant concern, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or late-night activity. Meanwhile, other theft and shoplifting surged, with shoplifting cases tripling compared to the previous month. These increases may be linked to the Christmas shopping peak, which typically sees heightened retail activity and potentially more opportunities for theft. However, the overall rate remains lower than the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or community engagement efforts may be playing a role in moderating crime levels. The data also highlights a stark contrast in crime types: while violent crime remains a priority, property-related crimes like shoplifting and other thefts are rising sharply. This duality underscores the need for targeted strategies addressing both public safety and retail security. The relatively low burglary rate (2 cases) and vehicle crime (2 cases) compared to UK averages indicate that residential areas and vehicle-related crime are not major concerns in Ross-on-Wye, due to its smaller size and lower population density compared to larger urban centres.

December 2023 saw significant fluctuations in crime types, with other theft and shoplifting experiencing sharp increases. Other theft cases rose by 225% compared to November, jumping from four to 13, while shoplifting cases surged by 200%, rising from three to nine. This sharp rise in retail-related crimes may be attributed to the Christmas shopping season, which typically sees increased foot traffic and potential vulnerabilities in store security. Anti-social behaviour also increased by 20%, from 10 to 12 cases, possibly linked to seasonal social gatherings and holiday-related disturbances. In contrast, violence and sexual offences decreased by 14.8%, dropping from 27 to 23 cases. This decline could reflect reduced nightlife activity or proactive policing efforts during the festive period. Other theft and shoplifting rates in Ross-on-Wye were significantly above the UK average, with other theft 103% higher than the national figure and shoplifting 63% above. Conversely, vehicle crime and burglary were below UK averages, with vehicle crime 56% lower and burglary 43% lower. These disparities suggest that Ross-on-Wye's crime profile differs from the national average, with retail and public order issues emerging as key challenges. For residents, the surge in shoplifting may be particularly concerning, as it directly impacts local businesses and requires heightened vigilance during the holiday season.

Ross-on-Wye's crime rate in December 2023 rose by 17.2% compared to November, increasing from 5.8 to 6.8 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, highlights the month-to-month volatility in crime patterns, possibly influenced by seasonal factors. On a daily basis, the town experienced an average of two crimes per day in December, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for consistent community engagement to prevent escalation. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 147 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average in many comparable areas. This figure provides context for residents, indicating that while crime is present, it is not impacting the local population. The town's population of 10,996 means that even a relatively small number of crimes can have visible effects on public perception and safety. For instance, the sharp increase in shoplifting and other theft may be more pronounced in proportion to the town's size, affecting local businesses more acutely than in larger urban areas. However, the overall rate remains below the UK average, suggesting that Ross-on-Wye's smaller size, community cohesion, or local policing strategies may be contributing to a more stable crime environment compared to national trends. These comparisons highlight the importance of maintaining local initiatives that address both the unique challenges and the broader patterns observed in the data.