Hereford Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Hereford, there were 7.3 reported crimes in November 2023, placing the area 2.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This rate translates to a daily risk of roughly 15 crimes per day across the built-up area, with over 1 in 137 residents experiencing a reported crime during the month. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 41.1% of the total, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.2%) and shoplifting (8.3%). These figures align with seasonal patterns, as November brought extended evenings and events like Bonfire Night, which may have influenced public order dynamics. Violence and sexual offences, while below the national rate in some categories, saw a 16% increase compared to the UK average, suggesting local factors such as social interactions in the town centre or other high-traffic areas could be contributing. The lower rates of property crime compared to the UK average—particularly in vehicle crime (60% below) and burglary (41% below)—may reflect Hereford’s relatively compact built-up area and lower density of car parking spaces. However, the prominence of violence and anti-social behaviour highlights the need for community-focused initiatives to address these trends, especially as the year progresses into colder months.

November 2023 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 225% compared to October, rising from 4 to 13 incidents. This spike, while still below the UK average by 60%, may reflect increased holiday-related traffic or the timing of Black Friday shopping. Conversely, public order offences fell by 53.5%, dropping from 43 to 20, likely due to reduced outdoor activity as evenings grew darker and the impact of local enforcement efforts. Violence and sexual offences remained significantly above the UK average, with a rate of 3.0 per 1,000 compared to the national 2.6 per 1,000. This suggests a persistent challenge in managing interpersonal conflicts, possibly exacerbated by seasonal gatherings or alcohol-related incidents. Anti-social behaviour also exceeded the UK average by 24%, indicating a need for targeted interventions in areas where such conduct is concentrated. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson fell by 34%, from 50 to 33, linked to the end of the annual bonfire season or increased community awareness. These shifts underscore the importance of understanding how local rhythms—such as seasonal events and changing light conditions—interact with crime patterns to inform policing and community strategies.

Hereford’s November 2023 crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 represents a 20.5% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.1 per 1,000, marking a significant downward trend. When viewed through a daily lens, this translates to an average of 15 crimes reported each day across the built-up area, a figure that, while not insignificant, is lower than many comparable urban centres. On a monthly scale, the 1-in-137 resident ratio means that the average resident faced a relatively low likelihood of being directly involved in a crime, though this statistic does not account for repeat victimisation or proximity to high-risk areas. The population context further illustrates that Hereford’s crime rate, though slightly below the UK average, reflects a combination of local factors: its compact built-up area likely reduces opportunities for certain crimes like burglary, while its role as a regional hub may contribute to higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. These comparisons highlight the importance of contextualising crime data within both local and national frameworks, ensuring that policies are tailored to Hereford’s specific needs rather than generic trends.