Herefordshire Crime Rate

Herefordshire demonstrates a generally lower crime rate compared to the national average, with 62.7 reported incidents per 1,000 residents over the period of February 2025 to January 2026. This represents a 31.2% decrease compared to the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000. While this indicates a relatively safe environment, specific crime types, such as violence and sexual offences, contribute significantly to the overall figures. Understanding the distribution of crime across the district, and the year-on-year trends, is crucial for assessing safety and implementing effective preventative measures. The data highlights a stable overall crime rate, with some categories showing fluctuations.

Herefordshire, a predominantly rural local authority district, experiences crime influenced by its mix of agricultural land, market towns, and commuter settlements. The area’s relatively low population density and strong sense of community contribute to a generally safe environment. However, the presence of transport links and occasional transient populations can also impact crime patterns. Economic factors, such as seasonal employment in agriculture and tourism, may also play a role. The varying demographics across the district, from the more urban Hereford to the more isolated rural communities, contribute to the diversity of crime experienced within Herefordshire. Understanding these factors is key to interpreting the area's crime statistics.

While Herefordshire’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, certain crime types require attention. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest category, accounting for 4,712 reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is also a notable concern, with 1,987 reported incidents. Criminal damage and arson follows with 1,053 crimes. The property crime rate, at 19.5 per 1,000, is comparatively lower than the national average, indicating a reasonable level of protection for homes and businesses. However, the prevalence of these top three categories highlights areas where focused preventative measures could be beneficial. Shoplifting is also a significant contributor to overall crime figures, with 968 reported cases. Addressing these crime types is vital for maintaining community safety and well-being within Herefordshire.

Overall crime in Herefordshire has remained stable, experiencing a slight decrease of 1.3% year-on-year. While some crime categories, like bicycle theft, have seen an increase, others, such as vehicle crime, have decreased. The monthly data reveals fluctuations, with July 2025 experiencing the highest crime rate at 6.3 per 1,000 and February 2025 the lowest at 4.3 per 1,000. This indicates a need for continued monitoring and targeted interventions to address specific crime trends within the district.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Herefordshire's crime rate is generally lower. Monmouthshire, to the west, has a notably lower crime rate of 46.2 per 1,000, while Gloucester, to the east, experiences a significantly higher rate of 135.3 per 1,000. Understanding these comparative figures can provide a broader perspective on safety within the region.

Traditional CCTV systems offer reactive surveillance, recording incidents after they occur. However, in an area like Herefordshire, where violence and sexual offences are a significant concern, a more proactive approach to home security is recommended. scOS, an AI-powered security operating system, offers a fundamentally different level of protection. Unlike conventional systems that simply record, scOS uses AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary, preventing break-ins before they happen. The system’s multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning capabilities provide a layer of deterrence and security that traditional systems simply cannot match. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another.

How To Keep Safe in Herefordshire

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, prioritising personal safety is crucial. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Secondly, secure your property with robust locks and consider installing an alarm system. Thirdly, report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Finally, if travelling alone, let someone know your plans and expected return time. By taking these simple precautions, you can significantly enhance your personal safety within Herefordshire.