Forest Town Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

September 2023 in Forest Town presented a striking contrast between rising property crimes and persistently low violent crime rates. The overall crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents—25% below the UK average—suggests a generally safer environment than the national average. However, the most unexpected development was the 150% surge in criminal damage and arson, a sharp departure from the area’s usual patterns. This spike, alongside a 125% increase in public order offences, may be linked to seasonal factors such as the start of the academic year, which often sees increased foot traffic and events in built-up areas. The top crime types—violence and sexual offences (34.1%), shoplifting (13.6%), and criminal damage (11.4%)—reflect a mix of urban challenges: retail spaces driving theft, and public spaces contributing to disorder. Shoplifting rates in Forest Town exceeded the UK average by 43%, a divergence that may be tied to the area’s retail presence within Mansfield. Conversely, violent crime remained 27% below the UK average, due to the town’s character as a built-up area with fewer high-risk nightlife zones. The seasonal context of back-to-school activity and shorter evenings may have influenced these trends. Overall, while the area’s crime rate remains low, the unexpected rise in property-related offences warrants closer monitoring.

September 2023 saw sharp increases in criminal damage and arson (+150%), public order offences (+125%), and vehicle crime (+100%) compared to August. These spikes suggest a shift in crime patterns, with property-related offences dominating the month-on-month change. Shoplifting, at 0.8 per 1,000, was 43% above the UK average, indicating a localised pressure point in retail areas. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 42.3% to 15 incidents, possibly linked to the start of the school term reducing public space congestion. Violence and sexual offences, however, remained 27% below the UK average at 2.0 per 1,000. For residents, the daily crime count—4 incidents per day—provides a tangible measure of local security, though the overall rate remains lower than the national benchmark.

Forest Town's crime rate in September 2023 rose 12.1% from 5.3 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents compared to August. This increase contrasts with the area’s overall 25% below the UK average. Locally, 4 crimes were reported daily on average—equivalent to one crime for every 168 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure provides context for residents: in September, approximately 1 in 168 people in Forest Town experienced a reported crime. The population-scaled perspective shows that, despite the rise, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average. However, the increase in specific categories like public order and vehicle crime warrants attention, particularly as these may reflect seasonal shifts such as back-to-school activity or changes in local events. The local context—built-up within Mansfield—suggests that urban dynamics, including retail and public spaces, could influence these trends.