Hereford Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences in Hereford during August 2024 were 41% above the UK average, making this category the most striking outlier in the area's crime profile. With 231 incidents recorded — equivalent to 3.8 per 1,000 residents — this category alone accounted for 41.5% of all reported crimes in the built-up area. The elevated rate of violent crime contrasts with the 38% reduction in burglary compared to the UK average, which may reflect Hereford's relatively compact urban layout and lower density of vacant properties compared to larger cities. Seasonal factors likely played a role in shaping these patterns, as August is traditionally a peak month for tourism in Herefordshire. While the area's historic town centre and visitor attractions may contribute to higher rates of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, the sharp increase in violent crime defies typical seasonal trends. The 41.5% share of violent crime in the total crime count suggests a significant shift in the area's crime mix compared to previous months, with property crime accounting for only 26.2% of all incidents. This shift may be partly explained by the summer months' impact on local demographics, with increased transient populations contributing to higher rates of conflict and disorder. However, the absence of specific data on transient populations means this remains a speculative interpretation.

August 2024 witnessed a 56.4% surge in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 39 to 61. This increase, combined with a 200% jump in robbery cases (from 2 to 6), highlights a significant shift in violent crime patterns. The rise in shoplifting may be linked to the area's retail presence and the peak of the summer tourist season. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 62.5% compared to July, with only 3 incidents reported — a stark contrast to the 8 recorded the previous month. Anti-social behaviour also showed a notable increase, rising by 18% above the UK average. This category's elevation may be partly explained by the extended summer evenings and increased foot traffic in town centres. The sharp decline in vehicle crime, however, suggests potential effectiveness in local policing strategies or seasonal changes in vehicle storage practices.

Hereford's crime rate in August 2024 rose to 9.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 17.4% increase from July's 7.7 per 1,000. This brings the built-up area's rate 9.8% above the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. On a daily basis, 18 crimes were reported each day in August, a figure that translates to one crime occurring for every 111 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while slightly higher than July's equivalent, remains within the range of typical seasonal fluctuations. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the increase is concentrated in violent crime categories, with anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also showing significant upward trends. Vehicle crime fell by 62.5% compared to July, reflecting a sharp decline in this category that may be linked to increased police patrols or seasonal changes in vehicle usage patterns.