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

In July 2024, Ross-on-Wye maintained a crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents, 17.9% below the UK average of 8.4. This figure reflects a balance between property and violent crimes, with 27 property offences and 26 violent crimes reported. The most prevalent categories were violence and sexual offences (34.2% of total crimes), anti-social behaviour (18.4%), and shoplifting (17.1%). These patterns align with the area’s seasonal context: July, a peak summer month marked by school holidays, tourism, and festivals, often correlates with increased public interactions and outdoor activity. The relatively low overall crime rate may be influenced by Ross-on-Wye’s character as a small built-up area with a mix of historical and residential zones, where community cohesion and limited urban density likely contribute to lower rates. However, shoplifting’s sharp deviation from the UK average—76% higher—suggests specific pressures in retail environments, possibly linked to seasonal foot traffic or local business dynamics. Violence and sexual offences, though below the UK average, remain a significant concern, tied to transient populations or the social mix during peak tourism periods. The balance between property and violent crimes indicates a combination of factors, including the area’s economic profile and the seasonal rhythm of its population. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions in retail spaces while maintaining broader community-focused crime prevention strategies.

July 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with three categories experiencing 100% increases from zero: drugs, robbery, and burglary. These new occurrences, though small in number, may signal emerging patterns or isolated incidents. Conversely, other theft fell by 50% (from 8 to 4), and vehicle crime dropped by 33.3% (from 3 to 2), suggesting possible improvements in targeted prevention efforts or seasonal factors reducing opportunities for such crimes. The crime mix in July revealed a near-parity between property and violent crimes, with property crimes slightly edging ahead (27 vs 26). This balance contrasts with the UK average, where violent crime typically dominates. Shoplifting, however, stood out as 76% above the UK average (1.2 vs 0.7 per 1,000), highlighting a localised issue that may require closer attention from retailers and local authorities. The increase in drugs-related offences—despite remaining a single incident—could indicate heightened enforcement activity or shifts in local drug markets. For residents, the 100% rise in burglary and robbery underscores the importance of securing homes and personal belongings during summer months when properties may be unoccupied or less monitored.

Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate in July 2024 rose by 15.2% compared to June’s 6.0 per 1,000, reflecting a modest but notable upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day, a figure that, while low, highlights the presence of active policing or community reporting mechanisms. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 145 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Ross-on-Wye well below the UK average for similar-sized built-up areas. The population context—10,996 residents—means that even small increases in crime can have visible impacts on local perceptions of safety. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the shift in crime composition, particularly the rise in shoplifting and the emergence of drugs-related offences, suggests areas for targeted intervention. The comparison to the previous month also reveals that violent crimes, though still below the UK average, increased slightly, potentially reflecting the seasonal influx of transient populations or the social dynamics of a tourist destination. These metrics, when contextualised with Ross-on-Wye’s small size and historical character, provide a nuanced picture of crime that balances low overall rates with specific local challenges.