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

Ross-on-Wye’s crime profile in September 2023 showed a slight but meaningful improvement compared to the UK average, with an overall rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure, 1.2% below the national average of 8.0, suggests the area is performing marginally better than typical for its size and location. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for nearly half (48.3%) of all incidents. This high proportion aligns with the area’s character as a small town with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, where late-night activity in retail and hospitality areas may contribute to such incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 20.7% of total crimes, a category that often spikes during periods of increased social interaction, such as the start of university terms. Seasonal factors likely played a role, as September marks the transition from summer to autumn, with nights drawing in and fewer tourists in the area. The lower-than-average rates for vehicle crime (58% below UK levels) and shoplifting (46% below) indicate that local efforts to deter vehicle-related offences and retail theft may be effective, through increased patrols or community engagement in high-risk areas. While violent crime remains a concern, the combination of targeted policing and seasonal dynamics appears to have contributed to the area’s overall performance against the UK benchmark.

September 2023 saw an 80% drop in burglary cases, from 5 to 1, marking the most substantial decrease in the area. This decline likely reflects heightened community awareness during the university term start, when local initiatives often focus on property crime prevention. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour surged by 50%, rising from 12 to 18 incidents, a trend consistent with increased foot traffic in town centres as students return. Violent crimes remained the dominant category, contributing 48.3% of total incidents, with rates 39% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences. Other theft fell by 75% (from 12 to 3), a reduction that may partly explain the area’s overall crime rate remaining below the UK average. Residents may find the 50% decrease in shoplifting (from 6 to 3) particularly relevant, as it suggests targeted interventions in retail zones are showing results.

Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate in September 2023 fell 16.4% compared to August, dropping from 9.5 to 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns as nights lengthen and university term starts shift focus away from nightlife. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 3 crimes per day in September, a figure that translates to one crime for every 126 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the average for areas of similar size, though it remains a local metric without direct UK comparison. The population context shows that Ross-on-Wye’s 10,996 residents experienced a crime rate slightly below the UK average, reflecting a combination of local policing strategies and community initiatives. While daily crime counts provide immediate insight, the monthly aggregate offers a broader perspective on how crime patterns evolve with seasonal changes and community dynamics.