Ross-on-Wye Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

February 2025 marked a continued decline in Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate, which stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents—25.4% below the UK average. This figure, the lowest in the built-up area’s recent history, reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (32.7% of total), anti-social behaviour (20.0%), and shoplifting (12.7%), though the latter remained 3% below the UK average. The winter lull, characterised by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring quiet, likely contributed to the overall decrease, though some categories, such as public order offences, saw a sharp rise. This could be attributed to increased community gatherings as the month progressed, or to heightened enforcement efforts. The balance between property and violent crimes remained relatively stable, with property crimes accounting for 32.7% of the total, though shoplifting’s 40% month-on-month increase suggests a possible shift in criminal focus. The area’s low crime profile, particularly in violent offences, may be influenced by its small population and the presence of historical sites that foster a sense of community and deterrence. However, the rise in public order crimes highlights the need for targeted interventions in local hotspots. Seasonal patterns, such as the pre-spring lull, may further moderate crime levels in the coming months, but ongoing vigilance is required to address emerging trends.

February 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with public order offences doubling from 2 to 4 cases, and drug-related incidents also rising by 100% from 1 to 2. This increase in public order crimes may reflect the transition from winter inactivity to the early stirrings of spring, where social interactions in public spaces could intensify. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 38.9%, from 18 to 11 cases, linked to the reduced foot traffic typical of colder months. Violent crimes, however, remained 32% below the UK average, with 18 incidents reported—highlighting a consistent trend in the area’s lower rates of violent crime. The sharp decline in other theft cases (60% reduction) from 5 to 2 may indicate improved security measures or a shift in criminal focus. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of local crime trends, shaped by seasonal rhythms and community-specific factors.

The crime rate in Ross-on-Wye dropped by 24.7% in February 2025 compared to the previous month’s rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a significant downward trend. This reduction aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in small built-up areas during winter, when outdoor activity declines and community engagement may shift indoors. Locally, the average of 2 crimes reported per day over the month highlights a manageable level of activity, though this figure should be contextualised within the town’s population of 10,996. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 200 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area’s relatively low crime profile compared to the UK average. This figure, while modest, underscores the importance of maintaining community-focused policing strategies, particularly as the town transitions into the pre-spring period when activity may begin to rise again. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Ross-on-Wye’s crime levels remain consistently below national benchmarks, a trend that could be influenced by its rural-adjacent location and the presence of historical landmarks that may deter certain types of crime.