Hereford Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

January 2026 saw Hereford's crime rate reach 7.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.9% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure reflects a combination of factors, including the post-holiday lull in retail activity and the seasonal reduction in outdoor crimes typical of winter months. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 42.3% of all incidents and 20% above the UK average at 3.0 per 1,000. This category's persistence may be linked to the built-up area's social dynamics, where public spaces and limited informal surveillance could contribute to higher rates. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, at 1.3 per 1,000 and 40% above the UK average, a pattern consistent with urban centres where transient populations and limited community engagement can amplify such incidents. Shoplifting, at 0.9 per 1,000 and 58% above the UK average, further highlights the pressures on retail areas during the post-Christmas period. Despite these challenges, property crimes remained relatively low compared to violent offences, with burglary and vehicle crime both below UK averages. The seasonal context of January—shorter days, reduced footfall in commercial districts, and colder temperatures—likely influenced the distribution of crimes, with fewer opportunities for outdoor theft and public order offences. However, the elevated rates of violence and anti-social behaviour suggest that targeted community initiatives and increased police presence in high-traffic areas may be necessary to address these trends.

The most significant month-on-month shift was a 120% increase in burglary, with incidents rising from 5 to 11. This jump, though small in absolute terms, contrasts sharply with the 50% decrease in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 54 to 27. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 23.4%, from 64 to 79, highlighting persistent challenges in community cohesion. Violence and sexual offences remained elevated, 20% above the UK average at 3.0 per 1,000, a figure that underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, bicycle theft dropped by 37.5%, from 8 to 5, a decline that may align with seasonal patterns of reduced outdoor activity. For residents, the daily average of 14 crimes offers a concrete metric to assess local safety in real-time.

Hereford's crime rate in January 2026 (7.0 per 1,000 residents) marks a 4.5% decline from the previous month's 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a slight easing of pressures in the built-up area. On a daily basis, the city recorded an average of 14 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the local community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 142 residents, a monthly exposure rate that situates Hereford within the broader spectrum of UK urban centres. While the overall rate remains marginally above the UK average, the directional shift from December to January suggests seasonal factors—such as reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—may have contributed to the downward trend. The population context further illustrates that, despite the 2.9% increase over the UK average, the absolute number of crimes remains manageable for a city of Hereford's size.