Hereford Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2024, Hereford's built-up area recorded a crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 8.3% below the UK average of 8.4. This figure underscores the area's relative safety, particularly in property-related offences, where burglary and vehicle crime rates are significantly lower than national averages. However, the crime profile reveals a marked imbalance, with violent crimes—specifically violence and sexual offences—dominating the landscape. These incidents accounted for 39.2% of all reported crimes, a share that is 5% higher than the UK average. This dominance of violent crime may be influenced by the seasonal context of July, a month marked by peak tourism, festivals, and extended daylight hours, which can contribute to increased social interactions and potential conflicts in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, also exceeded the UK average by 3%, potentially linked to the influx of visitors and the associated pressures on local infrastructure. In contrast, shoplifting, while still a notable concern, fell by 25% compared to the previous year's figures, a trend consistent with the 12% UK-wide deficit in this category. The overall picture suggests that Hereford's crime dynamics are shaped by a combination of its geographical position, seasonal activity, and community characteristics, with violent offences emerging as the most persistent challenge during the summer months.

July saw a 100% surge in vehicle crime, rising from 4 to 8 incidents, a change that may be linked to increased summer traffic or events in the area. Conversely, robbery incidents dropped by 33.3%, from 3 to 2, marking one of the most notable declines. The balance of crime types shifted sharply, with violent crimes (186) accounting for 39.2% of all incidents, compared to property crimes (119) at 25.1%. This dominance of violent offences is 5% above the UK average for the same category, suggesting local factors such as heightened public gatherings or seasonal activity may have contributed. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 25%, from 52 to 39, a reduction that contrasts with the 12% UK-wide deficit in this category. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Hereford, where seasonal rhythms and community events can influence reporting trends.

Hereford's crime rate in July 2024 fell by 6.4% compared to June, reflecting a continued downward trend. The monthly exposure figure reveals that over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 130 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. Daily crime counts averaged 15 incidents per day, a figure that, while modest, underscores the ongoing presence of criminal activity in the built-up area. When compared to the previous month, the shift in crime patterns suggests a possible alignment with seasonal factors—such as the peak of summer tourism and local festivals—which may have influenced both the types and frequencies of reported crimes. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Hereford's crime rate remains lower than the UK average, with the 8.3% deficit reinforcing the area's relative safety. This contrast is particularly evident in categories like burglary and vehicle crime, which are significantly below national averages, indicating a broader trend of lower property-related offences in this region.