Hereford Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Hereford's crime profile in June 2023, accounting for 37.3% of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 10.4 per 1,000 residents, the built-up area within Herefordshire records a 22.4% higher rate than the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This marks a significant divergence from national trends, particularly in violent crime categories. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also feature prominently, contributing 21.1% and 9.2% respectively to the total. The seasonal context of June, with its extended daylight hours and the early stirrings of tourism in the surrounding rural areas, may likely contribute to increased social interactions that could exacerbate tensions in public spaces. Hereford's crime picture contrasts sharply with the UK average for violence and sexual offences, which sit at 2.9 per 1,000 compared to Hereford's 3.9 per 1,000. This suggests a localised concentration of violent incidents that may be influenced by factors such as the town's historical role as a regional hub for services and retail. The data also reveals a relatively low incidence of shoplifting compared to the UK average, which could be attributed to Hereford's smaller retail footprint compared to larger urban centres. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime and criminal damage and arson highlights vulnerabilities in property security that may be linked to the area's mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics. As the summer season progresses, the interplay between increased foot traffic and the existing social dynamics in Hereford will likely shape the trajectory of crime patterns in the coming months.

June 2023 saw a 600% surge in robbery incidents, rising from one to seven cases. This dramatic increase, though still a small absolute number, signals potential shifts in criminal behaviour during the early summer months. Concurrently, vehicle crime rose by 120% (from five to 11 cases), a jump that may be connected to increased car usage during the longer daylight hours of June. The most significant month-on-month increase was recorded in criminal damage and arson, which jumped 85.7% from 28 to 52 cases. This stark rise contrasts with the 6.3% decline in shoplifting (32 to 30 cases), suggesting that while retail-focused crimes may be stabilising, property-related offences are intensifying. Hereford's anti-social behaviour rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents (49% above the UK average) underscores a persistent challenge in managing public order, particularly in areas with high foot traffic such as the town centre. The town's performance in bicycle theft (100% above the UK average) is especially notable, with 15 cases recorded. This may be attributed to Hereford's growing cycling infrastructure and the increased visibility of bikes in the urban environment. The sharp contrast between the 38% below UK average for burglary (0.2 vs 0.3 per 1,000) and the 57% deficit in vehicle crime highlights the complex relationship between different crime categories. Residents may find the 1-in-96 residents figure for monthly exposure particularly relevant when assessing personal risk in the context of local events and gatherings.

Hereford's crime rate in June 2023 (10.4 per 1,000 residents) represents a 24.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 8.4 per 1,000. This upward trend is stark when considering the daily crime context: 21 crimes were reported per day in June, a figure that translates to one crime for every 96 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while seemingly low in absolute terms, becomes more significant when viewed through the lens of Hereford's population of 61,582. The increase in violent crime categories, particularly the 34% gap between Hereford's violence and sexual offences rate (3.9 per 1,000) and the UK average (2.9 per 1,000), suggests a unique local dynamic that may not be fully captured by national statistics. When comparing to the previous month, the 2.2% decrease in burglary (15 to 14 cases) and the 16.7% drop in other crime (6 to 5 cases) illustrate some areas of relative stability. However, these decreases are overshadowed by the sharp rise in vehicle crime and criminal damage. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while Hereford's overall crime rate is higher than the UK average, specific categories show both strengths and weaknesses. For instance, the town's performance in shoplifting (7% below the UK average) and burglary (38% below) indicates some areas where local conditions may contribute to lower crime rates. Yet, the 100% deficit in bicycle theft compared to the UK average highlights the need for targeted interventions in specific crime categories.