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

January 2024 saw Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate climb to 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.7% above the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This slight but notable increase contrasts with the area’s generally stable crime profile, particularly in a built-up district of Herefordshire where seasonal patterns often dictate fluctuations. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (23 incidents, 27.4% of total), followed by other theft (19, 22.6%) and shoplifting (12, 14.3%). These figures align with the area’s character as a commuter hub and retail centre, where high streets and local businesses contribute to property crime trends. However, the most unexpected finding was the surge in drugs-related offences, which rose sharply to 7 incidents—double the previous month’s count. This departure from usual patterns may be influenced by post-holiday dynamics or shifts in local drug markets. Seasonal context also plays a role: January’s reduced retail footfall and shorter days typically lower outdoor crime, yet property crimes still accounted for over 47% of all reported incidents. The UK comparison further reveals stark disparities in specific categories, such as other theft and drugs offences, which far outpace national rates. These anomalies underscore the need for targeted local analysis, as Ross-on-Wye’s crime picture, while broadly stable, shows pockets of unexpected activity that may reflect broader regional trends or isolated factors. The area’s relatively low overall rate compared to major urban centres suggests that localised efforts in community engagement and policing may be effective, but the sharp increases in certain categories highlight areas for further scrutiny.

The most striking shift in January 2024 was the 100% increase in drugs-related crimes, rising from zero to seven incidents. This jump, coupled with a similar rise in burglary and possession of weapons, suggests a potential realignment in criminal activity patterns. Other theft offences, at 1.7 per 1,000, were 198% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, indicating a significant localised trend. Shoplifting, at 1.1 per 1,000, also exceeded the UK rate by 93%, reflecting the area’s retail presence. In contrast, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson both decreased, with the latter falling 28.6% to five incidents. These fluctuations highlight the uneven distribution of crime types, with property-related offences dominating the landscape. For residents, the sharp rise in drugs-related crimes may signal a need for targeted community awareness. The decrease in anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, could be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced nightlife activity during January’s shorter evenings.

Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate in January 2024 rose 12.0% from the previous month’s 6.8 per 1,000 to 7.6 per 1,000, marking the first increase in a year. This shift translates to roughly 3 crimes reported daily, a figure that, while modest, reflects a noticeable uptick in local activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 131 residents, a ratio that, when contextualised against the area’s population of 10,996, highlights the concentrated nature of incidents. This monthly exposure is higher than the UK average when considering specific crime types, such as other theft and drugs offences, which far exceed national benchmarks. The population context further underscores that these figures represent a relatively small number of incidents in a community of under 11,000 people, though the sharp rise in certain categories warrants attention. The comparison to the previous month’s rate also reveals a seasonal pattern: January’s shorter days and post-holiday lull may have influenced the timing of crimes. This context is crucial for residents assessing local safety, as the daily crime count and monthly exposure provide a tangible sense of risk without overestimating the overall scale.