Hereford Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Hereford's crime profile in June 2024, accounting for 40.8% of all reported crimes. This category alone recorded 207 incidents, significantly above the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000 residents (23% higher). The area's crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents exactly matched the UK average, though the composition of crimes diverged sharply. Anti-social behaviour (18.7% share) and shoplifting (10.3% share) followed as the second and third most common categories, both exceeding national averages. These patterns align with Hereford's character as a built-up area within Herefordshire, where the town's central retail and social hubs likely contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property crimes. The summer season, with its longer days and growing tourism, may have influenced the prominence of violence and sexual offences, though no direct causal link can be drawn without further data. Property crimes represented only 26.6% of total incidents, a stark contrast to the 57.1% share seen nationally, suggesting Hereford's crime dynamics are driven more by interpersonal conflicts than by theft or burglary. This divergence may reflect Hereford's relatively smaller population and lower density compared to major urban centres, where property crime tends to dominate. The data also reveals a mixed picture for other categories: criminal damage and arson fell 18% below the UK average, while drug-related crimes surged 43% above national levels, highlighting specific local challenges. As the summer progresses, these patterns will warrant continued monitoring to assess whether seasonal factors or other influences are shaping the crime profile.

June 2024 saw sharp increases in possession of weapons (+233.3%), bicycle theft (+150%), and drugs offences (+90.9%), all of which point to emerging trends in Hereford's crime profile. The 10 reported weapon possession cases in June—compared to just 3 in May—represents a particularly striking jump, though the small base figure means the absolute number remains low. This spike may reflect heightened tensions during the summer months or increased enforcement activity. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped 69.2% from 13 to 4 incidents, a decline that could be attributed to reduced nighttime activity or improved security measures at local car parks. The data also reveals a notable shift in the balance between property and violent crimes: while property crimes accounted for 26.6% of total incidents, violent crimes dominated at 40.8%, a ratio that starkly contrasts with the UK average of 23% for violent crimes. This imbalance may be linked to Hereford's built-up area status, where social interactions and public spaces can foster both conflict and opportunities for crime. Another key finding is the 29% above-UK-average rate for shoplifting, which could be driven by the town's retail presence and summer tourist activity. Residents may find the 18.7% share of anti-social behaviour particularly relevant, as this category often overlaps with public order issues and can impact local quality of life.

Hereford's crime rate in June 2024 rose 4.3% from 7.9 to 8.2 per 1,000 residents compared to May, though it remained exactly in line with the UK average. This increase translates to roughly 17 crimes per day in the built-up area, a figure that provides context for local residents assessing daily risks. Over the course of June, one reported crime occurred for every 121 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly higher than the UK average of 1 in 120 residents (based on national data from previous months). This rate, while statistically similar to the UK, masks significant variations in crime types: for instance, violence and sexual offences in Hereford were 23% above the UK average, while burglary was 67% below. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Hereford's 61,582 residents experienced 507 crimes in June, equating to 0.82 incidents per person. This rate is comparable to other mid-sized towns in England and Wales but highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with high rates of specific crimes. The comparison also underscores that while Hereford's overall rate matches national benchmarks, the distribution of crime types reflects unique local conditions, from the high prevalence of anti-social behaviour to the relatively low incidence of vehicle-related crimes.