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

Ross-on-Wye’s March 2023 crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents places it 6.6% below the UK average of 7.6, a distinction that positions the area as a relatively safer locale within the national context. This rate, while modest, is shaped by the town’s unique blend of residential and commercial activity, with violence and sexual offences (27 cases) and shoplifting (21 cases) emerging as the most prevalent crime categories. The 34.6% share of violent crimes—though lower than the UK average—suggests that local policing and community engagement efforts may be contributing to reduced incidents of this nature. Conversely, the 288% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average highlights a vulnerability tied to the area’s retail presence, particularly along the River Wye corridor. Seasonal factors in March, including the transition to spring and extended evenings, may have influenced outdoor activity patterns, affecting both shoplifting and anti-social behaviour rates. While anti-social behaviour (10 cases) and public order offences (5 cases) were below the UK average, the town’s lower vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) and burglary rates (0.1 per 1,000) indicate that property-related crimes are not a dominant concern here. This mix of crime trends reflects Ross-on-Wye’s character as a small, built-up area with a focus on retail and tourism, where targeted interventions in high-traffic zones may help address persistent challenges like shoplifting.

March 2023 saw a notable shift in crime composition, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 34.6% of all reported incidents—slightly below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This suggests a lower incidence of violent crime in the area compared to national trends, though the 27 recorded cases remain a significant concern for community safety. Conversely, shoplifting emerged as a striking outlier, with 21 incidents reported—288% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This anomaly may be linked to Ross-on-Wye’s status as a retail hub along the River Wye, attracting both local and visiting shoppers. Anti-social behaviour, while contributing 12.8% of total crimes, was 13% below the UK average, a statistic that could reflect the town’s relatively tight-knit community structure. Residents may find the daily crime count of three incidents particularly relevant, as it provides a tangible benchmark for understanding local safety dynamics.

Ross-on-Wye’s March 2023 crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents places it 6.6% below the UK average, a distinction that reflects both local policing efforts and the area’s demographic profile. Daily crime figures reveal an average of three reported crimes per day, a rate that, while modest, underscores the need for continued vigilance. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 141 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. This monthly exposure figure is particularly useful for residents assessing risk relative to their community size. When compared to the UK average, Ross-on-Wye’s lower violent crime rate (2.5 per 1,000) and significantly reduced vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) suggest a safer environment for property and personal security. However, the stark contrast in shoplifting rates—288% above the UK average—highlights a unique challenge tied to local retail patterns. These comparisons provide a nuanced picture of how Ross-on-Wye diverges from national trends, offering insights that may inform targeted community strategies.