Ross-on-Wye Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Ross-on-Wye during April 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, shaped by the area’s character as a small built-up area within Herefordshire. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 23 incidents, accounting for 31% of total crimes, followed by other theft (17.6%) and shoplifting (10.8%). This mix contrasts with the UK average, where violence typically constitutes a smaller share of reported crimes. The lower-than-average rate of violent crime—2.1 per 1,000 in April compared to the UK’s 2.6 per 1,000—may partly reflect the area’s relatively low population density and the presence of a quieter, more residential character compared to larger urban centres. However, the rate of other theft in Ross-on-Wye was 114% above the UK average, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in local retail or community spaces. Seasonal factors may have influenced this pattern, as spring weather and Easter activities typically increase foot traffic in town centres, contributing to shoplifting and theft incidents. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained lower than the UK average, at 51% below, which could indicate effective community policing or a more cohesive local environment. The overall crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents, 13% below the UK average, highlights a generally safer environment but underscores the need for targeted efforts in addressing specific crime types, such as theft from businesses and public spaces.

April 2024 saw significant shifts in crime trends within Ross-on-Wye, with burglary surging by 150% from 2 to 5 incidents, a stark contrast to the previous month’s figures. This increase, combined with a 100% rise in bicycle theft and vehicle crime, suggests emerging vulnerabilities in residential and outdoor security, possibly linked to seasonal changes in activity patterns. Conversely, drug-related crimes dropped by 66.7%, and criminal damage and arson fell by 63.6%, indicating a possible reduction in alcohol-related incidents or improved community engagement during the Easter period. The crime mix also revealed striking regional differences: other theft, at 1.2 per 1,000 residents, was 114% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour remained 51% below the national rate. These disparities highlight the area’s unique dynamics—perhaps a combination of its small-town scale, limited nightlife, and focused policing efforts. For residents, the most immediate concern appears to be the rise in burglary, which now accounts for 6.8% of all crimes, a figure significantly higher than the UK’s 0.3 per 1,000. This could signal a need for enhanced home security measures or increased patrols in vulnerable areas.

The crime rate in Ross-on-Wye for April 2024 dropped by 32.1% compared to the previous month, declining from 9.9 to 6.7 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with the seasonal transition to spring, a period often associated with lower crime rates due to increased daylight and community activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, reflects the built-up nature of the area and its proximity to Herefordshire’s broader network of services. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 149 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is relatively low compared to larger urban centres but still warrants attention given the specific spikes in burglary and theft. The population context—10,996 residents—further underscores the significance of even small increases in crime rates, as they represent proportionally larger shifts in safety perceptions. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the marked divergence in specific crime categories (e.g. other theft and burglary) highlights the importance of localized approaches to crime prevention. These figures suggest that Ross-on-Wye’s crime profile is shaped not just by its size but by its unique blend of residential tranquillity and the occasional pressure points of local commerce.