Bodenham Crime Rate

Bodenham’s crime rate of 36.4 per 1,000 residents is 59.9% below the UK average, making it one of the safest areas in Herefordshire. While the area’s overall crime profile is stable, a sharp 100% year-on-year increase in criminal damage and arson stands out. This surge, though still well below national levels, raises questions about localized factors driving this trend, such as seasonal activity or targeted vandalism in rural settings.

Bodenham is a small built-up area in Herefordshire, characterized by its quiet residential streets and limited commercial activity. Its low population density and lack of major transport links likely contribute to its generally low crime profile. However, the area’s proximity to Sutton St Nicholas and Wellington (Herefordshire) may influence local patterns, particularly in anti-social behaviour and public order incidents linked to nearby communities.

The most striking finding in Bodenham’s crime data is the 100% year-on-year increase in criminal damage and arson, despite remaining 40% below the UK average. This spike may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased outdoor activity during spring and summer, or localized issues like vandalism targeting rural infrastructure. Violence and sexual offences, though 57% below the UK average, remain the most common crime type, potentially linked to the area’s social dynamics. Anti-social behaviour and public order incidents have both risen by 33% and 16.7% YoY, respectively, but still remain well below national averages. These trends may be influenced by Bodenham’s smaller population and limited public spaces, which could reduce opportunities for large-scale disorder. Property crime is exceptionally low, with burglary at 0.7 per 1,000 (80% below the UK average), likely due to the area’s sparse housing density and strong community cohesion.

Crime in Bodenham has remained stable (-3.5% YoY) over the past year, with the most notable change being a 100% increase in criminal damage and arson. This sharp rise, though still 40% below the UK average, may be influenced by seasonal factors such as increased outdoor activity during spring and summer. Violence and sexual offences have decreased by 16%, likely reflecting effective community policing or natural fluctuations. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and public order crimes have risen by 33% and 16.7% respectively, but remain well below national averages. These trends highlight the importance of localized factors in shaping crime patterns, even in areas with overall low rates.

How To Keep Safe in Bodenham

Residents should focus on mitigating the 100% YoY rise in criminal damage and arson, which may target rural infrastructure. Securing sheds, outbuildings, and vehicles with motion-sensor lighting can deter vandalism. For vehicle crime (1.3 per 1,000), avoid leaving valuables in parked cars and use tinted windows to obscure contents. While overall crime is low, the 33% increase in anti-social behaviour suggests heightened awareness during evenings, particularly near communal spaces. Community engagement, such as reporting suspicious activity through 101, can help maintain Bodenham’s safety profile.

Crime in Bodenham follows distinct daily patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), correlating with retail activity and commuting, while vehicle crime spikes at night (12am–6am), possibly linked to unoccupied properties or parked vehicles. Burglary occurs most frequently in the evening (6pm–12am), suggesting opportunistic intrusions during periods of lower residential activity. Other crimes, like anti-social behaviour, are more evenly distributed but show higher rates in the evening and night, potentially tied to local nightlife or social gatherings. These patterns align with Bodenham’s character as a low-density area where limited commercial and social activity drives specific crime trends.

Compared to Sutton St Nicholas (20.9 per 1,000) and Wellington (Herefordshire) (29.0 per 1,000), Bodenham has a 74% higher and 26% higher crime rate, respectively. However, these neighbouring areas remain significantly safer than the UK average. Sutton St Nicholas’s exceptionally low crime rate may reflect stronger community cohesion, while Wellington’s higher rate could be influenced by its proximity to more urbanised areas.

For Bodenham residents, scOS offers proactive home security tailored to the area’s low-crime environment. With property crime at 10.0 per 1,000 (68.8% below the UK average), scOS’s AI-powered boundary detection and vehicle registration verification can further deter opportunistic intrusions. Its ability to distinguish between regular deliveries and suspicious activity reduces false alarms, ensuring peace of mind without overcomplicating daily life. At £19/month, scOS provides a discreet yet effective layer of protection, aligning with Bodenham’s already high safety standards.