Herefordshire Crime Rate

Herefordshire’s crime rate of 62.9 per 1,000 residents is 30.9% below the UK average, placing it in the 'very safe' category with a score of 85/100. Despite this, bicycle theft has surged by 29% YoY, highlighting a growing local concern. The area’s mix of rural tranquility and urban pockets like Hereford and Ross-on-Wye creates a unique crime profile, with property crime remaining low but targeted risks emerging in specific sectors.

Herefordshire is a rural and semi-rural area with a mix of historic market towns, small villages, and open countryside. Its character as a low-density region with dispersed communities may influence crime patterns, such as lower rates of vehicle crime and theft from the person compared to urban centres. However, towns like Hereford and Ross-on-Wye, which have more commercial and social activity, experience higher crime rates than surrounding rural areas. This duality—where rural isolation coexists with urban pockets—explains why Herefordshire’s crime rate is below the UK average overall but varies significantly between sub-areas. The presence of tourist attractions and heritage sites may also contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in certain towns, while rural areas with fewer public spaces see lower levels of public order offences.

The most surprising finding in Herefordshire’s crime profile is the rise in bicycle theft (+29% YoY), despite remaining 30% below the UK average. This may be linked to the area’s growing cycling culture, particularly in towns like Hereford, where bike lanes and greenways have expanded. Conversely, vehicle crime has fallen by 17.1% YoY, likely due to increased use of secure parking facilities in urban centres. Property crime as a whole is 38.6% below the UK average, reflecting Herefordshire’s low-density population and limited high-traffic commercial zones. Violence and sexual offences, though 22% below the UK average, remain the most common crime type. This may be attributed to the area’s social mix, with smaller communities experiencing fewer but more concentrated incidents. Anti-social behaviour, also below the UK average, may be influenced by the presence of heritage sites and event spaces in towns, which can lead to transient populations and associated disruptions.

Crime in Herefordshire has remained stable year-on-year (0.2% change), with a monthly trend peaking in July 2025 (6.3 per 1,000/month) and hitting a low in February 2026 (4.5 per 1,000/month). This seasonal pattern likely reflects longer evenings and tourism activity in summer, contributing to higher anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Bicycle theft, however, has surged by 28.9% YoY, possibly due to increased cycling infrastructure and events in towns like Hereford. Conversely, vehicle crime has fallen by 17.1% YoY, likely linked to improved parking security in urban areas. These diverging trends highlight the need for targeted prevention in specific sectors.

Compared to nearby areas, Herefordshire’s crime rate is 55% higher than Monmouthshire’s 40.6 per 1,000 but 81% lower than Worcester’s 113.9 per 1,000. This reflects Herefordshire’s semi-rural character, where urban centres like Hereford see higher crime rates than surrounding rural areas. Gloucester, with a rate of 125.6 per 1,000, is more dangerous, likely due to its larger population and more concentrated commercial activity.

In Herefordshire, where crime rates are 30.9% below the UK average, proactive prevention is key to maintaining safety, scOS uses AI to monitor property perimeters, distinguishing between regular visitors and potential intruders—ideal for areas like Hereford, where bicycle theft has risen by 29% YoY. For homes in low-crime rural areas, scOS’s automated lighting and speaker features can deter opportunistic criminals, while its ability to verify vehicle registration helps combat vehicle crime, which is 70% below the UK average. With a monthly cost of £19 and no premium features, scOS offers proportionate protection tailored to Herefordshire’s unique crime profile.

How To Keep Safe in Herefordshire

Herefordshire’s low crime rate means targeted precautions are more effective than general vigilance. Secure bicycles in urban areas like Hereford, where theft has risen by 29% YoY—using locks and storage facilities at local amenities. For rural residents, scOS can monitor property perimeters, as vehicle crime is 70% below the UK average but remains a risk in commuter hubs. In towns with higher crime rates, such as Ross-on-Wye (72.6 per 1,000), consider installing motion-activated lights near entrances. Given Herefordshire’s safety score of 85/100, these measures focus on mitigating small but growing risks without overcomplicating daily life.