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

February 2024 saw Ross-on-Wye continue its trajectory of relative safety compared to the UK average, with an overall crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents—12.7% below the national average of 7.1. This figure, while modest, reflects a persistent pattern observed in this Herefordshire town, where low population density and a mix of residential and commercial zones may contribute to lower crime rates. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (32.4% of total), followed by other theft (14.7%) and anti-social behaviour (14.7%). These figures align with the area’s seasonal rhythm, as February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity—typically sees a pre-spring lull in crime. The proportion of violent crime remains lower than the UK average, though property crimes such as other theft and shoplifting show mixed trends. The data may suggest that the town’s compact, community-oriented layout and limited nightlife contribute to the relatively low incidence of public order offences, which stood at 5.9% of total crimes. However, the absence of major transport hubs or tourist attractions means that vehicle crime and burglary are less common than in larger urban areas. This month’s statistics, while consistent with historical patterns, underscore the need for continued monitoring of specific categories like other theft, which exceeded the UK average by 64%.

February 2024 marked a 19.1% decline in Ross-on-Wye’s overall crime rate compared to January 2024, reflecting a shift from 7.6 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This reduction was driven by significant decreases in burglary (down 50%) and criminal damage and arson (down 60%), though these drops may partly explain the town’s continued below-average position relative to the UK. Conversely, vehicle crime surged by 100%, jumping from zero to three incidents—a sharp increase that could indicate heightened vulnerability during winter months when vehicle usage is higher. Public order offences also doubled, rising from zero to four, suggesting a possible uptick in local tensions or disruptions during the colder season. Among UK comparisons, violence and sexual offences remained 20% below the national average, but other theft and shoplifting showed stark divergence, with the former 64% above and the latter 30% above UK rates. These discrepancies may highlight the area’s unique characteristics, such as a higher concentration of small businesses or limited retail security measures. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the surge in vehicle crime, which, though still low in absolute terms, warrants attention given its sudden emergence as a category of concern.

Ross-on-Wye’s February 2024 crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents represents a marked improvement from January’s 7.6, a 19.1% reduction that underscores a clear downward trend in local crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately two crimes per day during the month—a figure that, while low, highlights the need for vigilance in specific areas. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 162 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic, when contextualised against Ross-on-Wye’s population of 10,996, illustrates the town’s relatively safe environment compared to larger, more densely populated areas. The decline in burglary and criminal damage and arson from January to February aligns with the seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for such crimes during winter. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime and public order offences suggests that certain factors—such as increased vehicle usage in colder weather or unseasonal gatherings—may be influencing local dynamics. The town’s small size and tight-knit community structure likely contribute to its lower crime rates, though the sudden increase in vehicle-related incidents warrants further scrutiny to ensure this trend does not persist in subsequent months.