Herefordshire Crime Rate

Herefordshire is a safe local authority area, with an overall crime rate of 62.5 per 1,000 residents for the period between December 2024 and November 2025. This rate is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to a high safety score of 85/100. The crime trend in Herefordshire is currently stable, with a slight -2.5% change year-over-year, indicating a consistent and secure safety environment across the county. While the area is statistically safer than many parts of the UK, residents should still be aware of the local crime breakdown to take appropriate regional precautions. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types, trends, and safety advice tailored to the Herefordshire community.

Herefordshire is a predominantly rural county characterized by its rolling hills, fertile agricultural land, and historic market towns. The local authority area includes the city of Hereford as its main urban centre, surrounded by towns like Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, and Ledbury. The county's economy is heavily rooted in agriculture and food production, particularly cider making and soft fruit farming. Tourism also plays a significant role, with the Wye Valley and Malvern Hills attracting visitors year-round. These factors contribute to a transient population during peak seasons.

The administrative area's low population density and rural nature generally lead to lower crime rates compared to more industrialised regions. However, the presence of major transport routes and the relative isolation of some rural properties can influence certain types of crime, such as agricultural theft. The county also features a mix of quiet residential areas and more active town centres with established nightlife, which is reflected in the local crime statistics. Overall, Herefordshire offers a safe environment, but its geographic diversity means safety factors can vary between urban and rural settings.

In Herefordshire, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences (39.6%), anti-social behaviour (16.6%), and criminal damage and arson (8.5%). Violence and sexual offences occur at a rate of 24.7 per 1,000 residents, which is the primary driver of local statistics across the local authority.

Property-related crime in Herefordshire, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, has a combined rate of 19.2 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Specifically, shoplifting and other theft are the most prominent property crimes, with shoplifting accounting for 7.8% of total crime. Burglary represents 4.2% of recorded incidents. For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while property crime is less frequent than the national average, it remains a consistent issue that requires attention. The stable trend direction indicates that while crime is not rapidly increasing, the steady presence of theft and burglary warrants consistent and effective home and business security measures across the county.

Herefordshire's crime rate has remained very stable over the last year, with a slight -2.5% change recorded year-over-year. Monthly data reveals a consistent pattern, starting at 4.6 crimes per 1,000 in December 2024 and ending at 5.2 in November 2025. The most significant peak occurred in July 2025, when the rate reached 6.3.

This trend indicates a very secure and predictable safety environment across the local authority. For residents, this means that while the county is safe, the consistent level of activity suggests that standard security measures should be maintained. Staying informed about the occasional monthly peaks, such as those seen in July and May, can help residents be more vigilant during slightly more active periods. The overall stability of the trend is a positive indicator for long-term safety in Herefordshire.

In the regional context, Herefordshire stands out as a safe local authority area. While it has a crime rate of 62.5 per 1,000, several neighbouring areas such as Malvern Hills, Forest of Dean, Monmouthshire, Worcester, Tewkesbury, and Gloucester reported no crimes in this specific data period. This disparity often arises from differences in urban concentration and reporting boundaries. Despite these figures, Herefordshire remains a secure county that is well below the national UK average. For those looking at the wider region, Herefordshire offers a safe and stable environment with a good balance of rural peace and urban amenities.

With a property crime rate of 19.2 per 1,000 and burglary being a consistent regional concern, Herefordshire residents should consider the benefits of proactive security. Traditional security cameras are often reactive, providing footage of a crime only after it has occurred. In an area where theft and burglary are steady issues, prevention is far more valuable than a recording of the event.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system offers a proactive approach to protection. By monitoring your property perimeters with intelligent AI, scOS can identify potential threats before they escalate into a break-in. It can distinguish between regular visitors and suspicious activity, and autonomously trigger deterrents like security lighting or audio alerts. For Herefordshire residents, this means that a potential intruder is deterred at the gate, rather than being caught on camera after they have reached your front door. scOS turns your existing cameras into an active defence system, helping to maintain the safety of your home or business in a stable and secure county.

How To Keep Safe in Herefordshire

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Herefordshire, accounting for 39.6% of all incidents. While the overall rate is much lower than the national average, taking proactive steps for personal safety across the county remains important.

1. Regional Awareness: When visiting busier town centres like Hereford or Leominster, especially during the evening, stay alert and stick to well-lit paths.
2. Secure Your Property: Burglary is a consistent concern across the county. Ensure all entry points, including windows and back doors, are secured with high-quality locks and consider an alarm system.
3. Outbuilding Security: In rural areas, theft from outbuildings is a common property crime. Ensure that sheds, garages, and agricultural buildings are secured with heavy-duty locks.
4. Lighting is Key: Install motion-activated security lights around your home. Criminals are less likely to target properties where they can be easily seen.
5. Community Engagement: Join a local neighbourhood watch or community group to stay informed about recent incidents and share safety tips with your neighbours across the local authority area.