Hereford Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Hereford's overall crime rate remain aligned with the UK average at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure unchanged from the previous month. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.5% of all reported incidents, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.3 per 1,000 (8% above). Anti-social behaviour followed at 15.7%, with shoplifting and criminal damage also contributing prominently to the crime mix. This pattern contrasts with the seasonal context of winter, a period typically associated with lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull in crime. However, Hereford's data reveals a notable divergence in specific categories: while violence and anti-social behaviour exceed national averages, burglary and vehicle crime fall well below. The area's built-up character within Herefordshire likely influences these trends, with retail centres and high streets potentially driving shoplifting rates. The consistent presence of violent crime, despite the seasonal context, may reflect persistent local factors such as nightlife activity or social dynamics. The alignment with the UK average overall suggests that Hereford's crime profile is neither uniquely high nor low, but its breakdown highlights areas requiring targeted attention. As winter transitions to spring, the interplay between seasonal rhythms and local infrastructure will likely continue to shape crime patterns, though the exact mechanisms remain to be explored.

February 2026 marked a significant rise in drug-related crimes, surging by 100% compared to the previous month as incidents increased from 8 to 16. This sharp increase, while not uncommon in urban areas, warrants closer examination given its impact on public safety. Concurrently, theft from the person and robbery both rose by 50%, reflecting a troubling trend in personal safety concerns. These increases contrast with notable declines in vehicle crime (-33.3%), burglary (-27.3%), and other crime (-25%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. The crime mix reveals a stark contrast between categories: violence and sexual offences remain 8% above the UK average, while burglary is 60% below, highlighting Hereford's unique profile. Shoplifting, at 38% above the national average, may be influenced by the town's retail presence. For residents, the 100% increase in drug-related crimes serves as a concrete indicator of a specific challenge facing the community. The simultaneous decline in vehicle crime, however, offers a counterpoint, potentially linked to seasonal factors or local initiatives. These shifts underscore the need for targeted strategies that address both rising and falling crime categories, ensuring that Hereford's crime management remains responsive to evolving trends.

Hereford's crime rate in February 2026 (6.4 per 1,000) represented an 8.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.0 per 1,000, marking a notable improvement in overall safety metrics. This decline, though modest, translates to a practical reduction in risk for residents, with daily crime counts averaging 14 incidents per day over the 28-day period. When contextualised against the population of 61,582, this equates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 156 residents over the course of the month—a figure that, while not alarmingly high, remains a tangible reminder of the need for vigilance. The comparison to the UK average reveals a nuanced picture: while Hereford's overall rate matches the national average, its breakdown shows significant divergence in specific categories. For instance, the 60% shortfall in burglary compared to the UK average may reflect Hereford's built-up character, where property crime is less common than in more rural or isolated areas. Conversely, the 38% increase in shoplifting suggests a distinct local dynamic, possibly tied to the town's retail infrastructure. These contrasts highlight how Hereford's unique geography and demographics shape its crime profile in ways that differ from the broader UK context.