Hereford Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Hereford’s crime rate in September 2024 stood at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it just 1.3% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This slight deviation from national benchmarks highlights both the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies and the challenges posed by specific local conditions. The breakdown of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.5% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.5%) and shoplifting (11.6%). These figures align with Hereford’s character as a built-up area within Herefordshire, where high foot traffic in town centres and proximity to educational institutions may contribute to both anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates. The seasonal context of September—marking the start of the academic year and the transition to shorter evenings—likely influenced patterns of public activity, potentially increasing opportunities for anti-social conduct and violence. However, the overall rate remains relatively stable compared to previous months, with the most significant shifts observed in specific categories. For instance, the rate of criminal damage and arson was 11% below the UK average, suggesting that local community engagement or environmental factors may be mitigating such incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting and public order offences both exceeded UK averages by notable margins, indicating areas where targeted interventions could yield improvements. These trends underscore the combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and policing efforts in shaping Hereford’s crime profile.

September 2024 saw a significant 27.2% decrease in anti-social behaviour, dropping from 103 to 75 incidents. This decline, coupled with a 66.7% reduction in possession of weapons (from 9 to 3), suggests a possible easing of tensions in public spaces or effective policing interventions. However, certain categories saw sharp increases: vehicle crime rose 100% (3 to 6), and theft from the person doubled (2 to 4), potentially linked to increased vehicle activity or changes in pedestrian behaviour during the month. Violence and sexual offences remained 15% above the UK average, with 186 incidents reported—equivalent to 3.0 per 1,000 residents. This underscores the persistent challenge of violent crime in Hereford, despite the overall rate being just 1.3% above the national average. The 32% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average also highlights vulnerabilities in retail security, particularly as the area transitions into a more active period with back-to-school activity.

Hereford’s crime rate in September 2024 dropped by 13.3% compared to the previous month, reflecting a notable shift in local crime patterns. The daily crime count averaged 16 incidents per day, a figure that, while specific to Hereford, offers a tangible sense of the pace at which crimes occur in the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 127 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the impact of crime on the community. This decline follows a previous month’s rate of 9.0 per 1,000, highlighting a potential stabilisation in local policing efforts or seasonal factors. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the slight 1.3% increase above the UK average, Hereford’s crime rate remains within a narrow margin of national benchmarks. This suggests that local initiatives or environmental factors—such as the transition to shorter evenings in September—may be influencing crime trends in ways that align with broader UK patterns.