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

Ross-on-Wye's crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents in March 2025 places it 16.7% below the UK average of 7.8 per 1,000, reflecting a consistent pattern of lower crime levels in this small market town within Herefordshire. This figure aligns with the area's character as a historically rural settlement with a compact built-up core, where community cohesion and limited urban density may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain crimes. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (26.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (21.1%) and shoplifting (12.7%). The rate for violence and sexual offences (1.7 per 1,000) is 38% below the UK average, a trend that may be influenced by the town's lower population density and strong local policing presence. However, the seasonal context of March — with longer evenings and the transition to spring — may have created conditions conducive to anti-social behaviour and public order issues, particularly in the town's commercial and social hubs. While the overall crime rate remains lower than national benchmarks, the presence of specific categories like shoplifting (0.8 per 1,000) — 18% above the UK average — suggests that retail areas may require continued attention. This data underscores the importance of understanding local dynamics, where factors such as seasonal transitions and the town's unique geography shape crime patterns in ways distinct from larger urban centres.

March 2025 saw a stark rise in three specific crime categories: possession of weapons, theft from the person, and other crime, each doubling from their February levels. This 100% increase in these areas, particularly in possession of weapons (0 → 3), raises questions about local factors that may have contributed to this shift. Conversely, burglary dropped by 66.7% (3 → 1), a marked decrease that contrasts with the UK average for this category (0.3 per 1,000). The breakdown also reveals that Ross-on-Wye's rate for violence and sexual offences (1.7 per 1,000) is 38% below the UK average, a figure that may partly reflect the town's smaller population and community-focused policing efforts. However, anti-social behaviour (1.4 per 1,000) is 12% above the UK average, indicating a need for targeted interventions in public spaces. These variations highlight the complexity of local crime patterns, where some categories align with national trends while others diverge significantly.

Ross-on-Wye's crime rate in March 2025 rose by 29.2% compared to February's 5.0 per 1,000, reflecting a shift in local crime dynamics. This increase, while modest, underscores a growing need for vigilance in community policing. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly two crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 155 residents — a monthly exposure rate that highlights the relative safety of the area compared to broader UK trends. However, this statistic must be viewed alongside the local population of 10,996, which influences the scale of incidents. The 16.7% gap between Ross-on-Wye's rate and the UK average remains significant, but the upward trajectory from the previous month suggests ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent low-level crime management. This contrast between national and local data reinforces the importance of tailored local strategies that align with the unique characteristics of a small market town.