NEW figures have revealed the areas of the Forest of Dean most affected by anti-social behaviour, with Cinderford, Coleford and Lydney among the worst-hit towns.

According to crime data for January 2025, the Forest of Dean recorded 117 incidents of anti-social behaviour, representing a 28.57% increase compared to the previous period.

Anti-social behaviour was the second most frequently reported crime in the district that month, behind violence and sexual offences.

Cinderford topped the list for reports within the Forest. The Whitegates area saw a high concentration of incidents, alongside reports from Belle Vue Road and surrounding residential streets.

A Public Spaces Protection Order remains in place in the town centre, aimed at deterring ongoing issues such as street drinking and nuisance behaviour.

Coleford also featured prominently, with Buttington Terrace and the town’s central car parks flagged as locations with recurring incidents.

In Lydney, hotspots included areas near the Bus Station and Hams Road, with police noting repeated callouts linked to youth-related disturbances.

Smaller villages across the district were not immune. Reports were also filed in Newnham, Mitcheldean and Ruardean, where patterns of vandalism and noise complaints contributed to the month’s total.

While these areas reported fewer cases overall than the larger towns, the data suggests anti-social behaviour is being experienced in both urban and rural parts of the district.

The data, published via national crime mapping services, is used by Gloucestershire Constabulary to identify trends and allocate resources.

In response to the rise in reported crime, local officers have increased patrols in the most affected areas and are working with Forest of Dean District Council to deliver targeted interventions.

While the figures reflect only a single month, the upward trend has prompted renewed attention on anti-social behaviour across the district.

Police continue to monitor hotspots and urge residents to report incidents to help inform ongoing enforcement efforts.