Ross-on-Wye Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 saw Ross-on-Wye's crime rate fall to 4.7 per 1,000 residents — 30.9% below the UK average of 6.8. This marked a significant shift from the previous month, with seasonal factors likely playing a role. The most striking deviation was the sharp rise in shoplifting, which accounted for 23.1% of all crimes and stood at 1.1 per 1,000 residents, 93% above the UK average. This contrasts with a 34.6% share for violence and sexual offences, which actually fell by 18.2% month-on-month to 18 incidents. Anti-social behaviour also rose.7 per 1,000 remained 25% below the UK average. The area’s low crime profile aligns with its rural-urban mix, where reduced retail footfall in January may have curbed outdoor crimes. However, shoplifting’s surge suggests a different dynamic, possibly linked to local retail patterns or seasonal shopping habits. The overall balance between property and violent crimes shifted slightly, with property crimes (24 incidents) now comprising 46% of the total, down from 54% in December. This could reflect the impact of shorter daylight hours and colder weather, which may have driven more indoor-focused criminal activity. The area’s crime profile remains distinct from national trends, with notable underperformance in violent crime and overperformance in shoplifting, highlighting the need for tailored local analysis.

January 2026 brought unexpected fluctuations in crime types. Robbery saw a 100% increase, rising from zero to one incident — a rare occurrence that may reflect isolated factors. Shoplifting also rose sharply by 33.3%, reaching 12 incidents, far exceeding the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000 residents. This 93% gap suggests local retail vulnerabilities, possibly tied to post-holiday stock management or targeted theft. Conversely, violence and sexual offences dropped by 18.2% to 18 incidents, a welcome trend that may be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced public gatherings. Anti-social behaviour increased by 33.3%.7 per 1,000 remains 25% below the UK average. This mix of increases and decreases underscores the complexity of local crime patterns. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting may prompt closer attention to retail security measures. Meanwhile, the decline in violent crime offers a positive note, though this category still accounts for 34.6% of all crimes, the highest proportion. The contrast between shoplifting’s surge and the UK’s lower rate highlights a unique challenge for Ross-on-Wye, requiring further exploration into local retail dynamics.

Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate in January 2026 dropped 10.2% from December’s 5.3 per 1,000, reflecting a continued trend of lower-than-average national crime levels. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 211 residents — a figure that, while low, may seem abstract to those unfamiliar with crime statistics. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately two crimes reported each day, a rate that remains well below the UK average. This daily context is particularly useful for residents assessing local safety, as it provides a tangible measure of crime frequency. The population-scaled perspective shows that Ross-on-Wye’s 10,996 residents face a significantly lower risk of crime compared to the UK average, with violent crime rates 36% below national levels. However, the area’s shoplifting rate, 93% above the UK average, serves as a reminder that certain crime types remain high. This contrast between overall safety and specific vulnerabilities underscores the need for targeted interventions. The 30.9% gap between Ross-on-Wye’s crime rate and the UK average highlights the effectiveness of local policing or community factors, though the shoplifting anomaly suggests further investigation into retail security and enforcement strategies in the area.