Hereford Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a city of around 61,582 residents, Hereford recorded 447 crimes in December 2024—a rate of 7.3 per 1,000 people, 2.8% above the UK average of 7.1. This figure translates to one reported crime for every 138 residents over the month, a statistic that contextualises the volume of incidents in relation to the population. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.8% of all reported incidents (178 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (19.2%) and criminal damage and arson (7.8%). These patterns align with December's seasonal context: extended dark evenings, heightened social activity during the Christmas period, and the presence of empty homes over the holidays. The elevated rate of violence compared to the UK average (2.6 per 1,000) may partly explain the prominence of these offences, though local factors such as the area's mix of urban and historic spaces could also contribute. Anti-social behaviour, which is 49% above the UK average, suggests ongoing challenges in managing public spaces during peak social periods. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell sharply by 39.2% (from 51 to 31), due to increased retail security measures or a shift in consumer activity during the festive season. This data illustrates a city where seasonal dynamics and local characteristics interact to shape crime patterns in distinct ways.

December 2024 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, including a 166.7% rise in possession of weapons (from 3 to 8 cases) and a 150% increase in robbery (from 2 to 5). Burglary also rose by 111.1% (from 9 to 19), though this remains below the UK average for the category. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 39.2% (from 51 to 31), potentially linked to seasonal retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during holidays. Anti-social behaviour remained 49% above the UK average, with 86 incidents reported—highlighting persistent community tensions. Vehicle crime fell by 57.1% (from 7 to 3), a significant decline that may reflect reduced car usage during the festive period or enhanced local patrols. These shifts underscore how seasonal rhythms and local initiatives can influence crime trends in real time.

Hereford's crime rate in December 2024 remained stable at 7.1 per 1,000, matching the previous month's figure. However, the overall rate of 7.3 per 1,000 for the month is 2.8% above the UK average of 7.1. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 14 crimes per day, translating to one reported crime for every 138 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, though the rate remains within a narrow range of the UK average. The population context—61,582 residents—means that the 447 total crimes represent a relatively modest proportion of the population, though the distribution across crime types reveals significant local variations. For instance, violent crimes and anti-social behaviour are elevated compared to national trends, suggesting that local factors such as public spaces or seasonal activity may play a role in shaping these patterns.