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

Ross-on-Wye's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 9.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a 23.8% increase above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a challenging month for local law enforcement, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 25.7% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.5%) and other theft (12.8%). The seasonal context of May, with its extended daylight hours and bank holidays, likely contributed to increased socialising and associated risks, particularly in the town's retail and leisure areas. Violence and sexual offences, though 6% below the UK average for this category, remain a significant concern, with 28 incidents reported. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, is 20% above the UK average, a figure that may be linked to the town's historic character and the density of its built-up area. Other theft and shoplifting, both 120% and 165% above UK averages respectively, highlight vulnerabilities in retail security and the potential for opportunistic crime during peak hours. These trends underscore the need for targeted interventions, particularly in high-traffic zones, as the area navigates the seasonal shift towards warmer weather and increased footfall.

Vehicle crime in May 2023 saw an unprecedented 300% increase, rising from 2 to 8 incidents. This spike, combined with a 100% rise in possession of weapons (from 0 to 3), signals a notable shift in criminal activity. Anti-social behaviour and other theft remain high, with the former 20% above the UK average and the latter 120% above. Meanwhile, burglary dropped by 40% (from 5 to 3), a decline that may reflect improved security measures or seasonal factors. The most striking contrast is in shoplifting, which at 1.3 per 1,000 is 165% above the UK average, suggesting targeted retail vulnerabilities. These figures underscore a combination of local dynamics and broader trends, with May's longer evenings and social events likely amplifying certain crime types.

Ross-on-Wye's crime rate in May 2023 rose to 9.9 per 1,000 residents, a 32.8% increase from April's 7.5 per 1,000. This places the area 23.8% above the UK average, a significant deviation that warrants attention to local factors. On a daily basis, 4 crimes were reported over the 31 days, translating to roughly one crime for every 101 residents during the month. This monthly exposure figure highlights the frequency of incidents in a community of just over 11,000 people. The shift in crime patterns compared to April suggests seasonal influences, particularly as May's longer evenings and bank holidays likely increased social activity in the town centre. While the overall rate is concerning, the breakdown of crime types reveals specific areas of concern, such as the sharp rise in vehicle crime and possession of weapons, which merit further analysis.