Herefordshire Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2023, Herefordshire recorded 1,164 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents—24.7% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. The crime profile reveals a clear dominance of violent offences, which accounted for 36.9% of all incidents, compared to property crimes at 31.6%. Violence and sexual offences (430 cases) were the most common category, followed by anti-social behaviour (204 cases) and criminal damage and arson (102 cases). This violent-crime-heavy pattern is consistent with Herefordshire's character as a rural area with a mix of small towns and open countryside, where interpersonal conflicts may be more prevalent than in densely populated urban centres. Seasonal factors likely played a role, as August is a peak month for tourism and empty homes—both of which can increase burglary risks. However, the overall rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, possibly reflecting the area's lower population density and strong community policing efforts. The breakdown also shows that Herefordshire's violent crime rate (2.3 per 1,000) is 13% below the UK average, while property crime rates across categories like shoplifting and burglary are also lower. This suggests that while violent incidents are the most frequent type, the area's overall safety profile is stronger than the national average, with crime prevention strategies likely contributing to this disparity. The seasonal context of August—marked by holidays and increased visitor activity—may have influenced specific trends, such as the 37% rise in public order offences, which could be linked to temporary population fluctuations in tourist areas.

August 2023 saw a dramatic 133.3% increase in robbery incidents, rising from 3 to 7 cases. This sharp rise, though still low in absolute terms, may reflect heightened activity during the summer tourism season. Public order offences also climbed by 37.0%, reaching 100 incidents—a notable shift in the crime mix. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 57.1% (35 to 15), potentially linked to reduced car-related thefts during warmer weather. Violent crimes, while remaining the largest category at 36.9% of total incidents, were 13% below the UK average (2.3 vs 2.6 per 1,000). This contrasts with property crimes, which accounted for 31.6% of the total but showed no significant month-on-month changes. Residents may find the 80% deficit in vehicle crime compared to the UK average particularly noteworthy, suggesting effective local deterrents in this category.

Herefordshire's crime rate in August 2023 remained stable at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure to within 0.5%. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity, though localized changes are evident in specific categories. Daily crime activity averaged 38 incidents per day, a figure that contextualizes the scale of activity against the area's population of 191,047. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 164 residents, a metric that underscores the relative safety of the region compared to the UK average. While the overall rate is 24.7% below the national average, the monthly exposure statistic provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, showing that the likelihood of experiencing crime remains low. The population-scaled perspective further highlights Herefordshire's position as a relatively low-crime area, with its crime rate reflecting a combination of geographic factors and local initiatives that may contribute to sustained stability.