Hereford Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 marked a combination of stability and fluctuation in Hereford’s crime profile. The overall crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents placed the area 11.3% above the UK average, a figure that reflects both persistent local challenges and the influence of seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41.9% of all incidents and 32% above the national average. This aligns with Hereford’s character as a built-up area within Herefordshire, where urban density and proximity to major roads may contribute to higher rates of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 18.4% of reported crimes and 43% above the UK average—a trend consistent with the area’s historical patterns of community-based disturbances. Shoplifting also rose, though modestly, to 8.2% of all crimes and 30% above the UK average, likely tied to retail activity in the town centre. The seasonal context of February—marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have influenced patterns, with some categories, like criminal damage and arson, declining by 31.5% compared to January. However, the sharp increase in robbery and possession of weapons suggests emerging pressures that require targeted intervention. These figures underscore the need for a balanced approach to crime prevention, addressing both long-standing issues and new risks as the area transitions into the spring season.

February 2024 saw a stark rise in robbery, with incidents increasing by 300% from one to four. This jump, though small in absolute terms, signals a concerning shift in local crime dynamics. Concurrently, possession of weapons rose by 133.3%, from three to seven cases, a trend that may reflect seasonal factors or targeted activity. In contrast, bicycle theft fell by 75%, dropping from eight to two, potentially linked to reduced outdoor activity during winter. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 41.9% of all crimes and 32% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour also surged, 43% above the national rate, underscoring persistent challenges in community safety. These shifts highlight a mixed picture: while some categories declined, others spiked, requiring nuanced responses from local authorities.

Hereford's crime rate in February 2024 remained stable compared to January, falling by 0.4% to 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This small decline suggests continuity in local patterns despite seasonal shifts. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 17 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the built-up nature of Hereford and its proximity to Herefordshire’s broader rural context. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 126 residents—a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents for residents. While this rate is consistent with the area’s historical profile, it remains 11.3% above the UK average, highlighting persistent local challenges. The population context further reveals that Hereford’s 61,582 residents face a crime environment that, while stable month-on-month, requires ongoing attention to address underlying trends.