Hereford Crime Rate

Hereford presents a safety profile that closely mirrors the national average, with an overall crime rate of 92.0 per 1,000 residents for the period between December 2024 and November 2025. This compares with the UK average of 91.7. The area has been awarded a safety score of 79/100, which is identical to the UK average safety score. The crime trend in Hereford is currently stable, with a slight -5.0% change year-over-year, indicating a consistent safety environment. While the city is statistically as safe as the national benchmark, residents should still be aware of the local crime breakdown to take appropriate precautions. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types, temporal patterns, and safety advice tailored to the Hereford community.

In Hereford, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences (39.0%), anti-social behaviour (17.6%), and shoplifting (10.8%). Violence and sexual offences occur at a rate of 35.9 per 1,000 residents, which is the primary driver of local statistics in the city.

Property-related crime in Hereford, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, has a combined rate of 27.2 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Specifically, shoplifting is the most prominent property crime, while burglary and vehicle crime each account for a small percentage of total crime. For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest that while property crime is less frequent than the national average, shoplifting and theft are consistent issues. The stable trend direction indicates that while crime is not rapidly increasing, the steady presence of theft and anti-social behaviour warrants consistent and effective security measures.

Hereford's crime rate has remained very stable over the last year, with a slight -5.0% change recorded year-over-year. Monthly data reveals a consistent pattern, starting at 7.3 crimes per 1,000 in December 2024 and ending at 7.8 in November 2025. The most significant peak occurred in July 2025, when the rate reached 9.0.

This trend indicates a very secure and predictable safety environment. For residents, this means that while the city 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 August, can help residents be more vigilant during slightly more active periods.

How To Keep Safe in Hereford

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Hereford, accounting for 39.0% of all incidents. While the city is generally safe, taking proactive steps for personal safety is advised.

1. City Awareness: When walking through the city centre, especially during the evening, stay alert and stick to well-lit paths. Avoid using headphones which can reduce your situational awareness.
2. Business Security: Shoplifting is a significant issue in Hereford. Local business owners should consider high-visibility deterrents and staff training on identifying suspicious behaviour.
3. Secure Your Home: While burglary rates are low, ensure all entry points are secured with high-quality locks and consider an alarm system.
4. Vehicle Safety: Vehicle crime peaks at night. If you park on the street, ensure no valuables are left on display and consider using a steering lock.
5. Community Engagement: Join a local neighbourhood watch or community group to stay informed about recent incidents and share safety tips with your neighbours.

Crime in Hereford follows distinct temporal patterns that residents should be aware of. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are heavily associated with theft, which accounts for 46% of crimes during this period. As the afternoon (12pm-6pm) progresses, theft remains the primary concern at 45%, while burglary risk rises to 13%.

The evening (6pm-12am) sees a shift towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 64% of the total. During the night (12am-6am), burglary reaches its peak, accounting for 17% of recorded incidents. Vehicle crime also becomes a major issue during these quiet hours, representing 16% of the period's crime. These patterns suggest that while daytime security should focus on personal property and theft prevention, the night requires robust measures to protect vehicles and home perimeters. Residents should be particularly mindful of vehicle safety in the early morning hours.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Hereford is the most active urban centre. Its crime rate of 92.0 is significantly higher than nearby King's Acre (25.4) and Burghill (28.5). Furthermore, it contrasts sharply with Lugwardine and Hampton Bishop, both of which reported no crimes during this period. As a primary city, Hereford naturally sees more activity than these smaller settlements, but the disparity highlights the importance of local security for those living in the city centre compared to the outlying residential areas. Hereford offers a safe urban environment that is well within the national average.

With a property crime rate of 27.2 per 1,000 and shoplifting being a top local concern, Hereford homeowners and business owners 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 anti-social behaviour 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 or act of theft. It can distinguish between regular visitors and suspicious activity, and autonomously trigger deterrents like security lighting or audio alerts. For Hereford 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 active city.