Herefordshire Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The balance between property and violent crime in Herefordshire shifted in August 2023, with violent crime accounting for 36.9% of total incidents compared to 31.6% for property crime. This marks the first time this year that violent crime has dominated the crime profile, a trend that may partly explain the area’s 24.7% below the UK average rate of 8.1 per 1,000 residents. The overall crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. August, a peak holiday month, saw increased foot traffic in tourist areas, which could be linked to the 13% below UK average rate for violence and sexual offences. However, the seasonal context also brought risks: empty homes during holidays may have contributed to higher burglary risk, though the rate for burglary remained 12% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, another significant category, was 24% below the UK average, suggesting effective community engagement in managing public disorder. The breakdown highlights a generally lower crime profile compared to national averages, with the exception of possession of weapons, which was 43% above the UK rate—a figure that warrants closer examination given Herefordshire’s rural character and potential for isolated incidents. This pattern may reflect both the area’s lower population density and targeted policing efforts in specific hotspots.

August 2023 saw notable fluctuations in crime trends, with robbery incidents surging by 133.3% from three to seven cases—a sharp increase that contrasts with the overall stability in the crime rate. Public order offences also rose by 37.0%, reflecting heightened activity in areas with increased tourism during the summer months. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 57.1%, likely influenced by reduced car usage during holidays and improved security measures in car parks. The category of 'other theft' decreased by 18.5%, possibly due to targeted awareness campaigns in retail areas. Violent crime, while remaining 13% below the UK average, maintained its dominance in the crime mix, with 430 incidents accounting for nearly a third of all reported crimes. This balance between violent and property crime is unusual for Herefordshire, which typically sees property crime as the more prevalent category. The significant 80% below UK average rate for vehicle crime highlights the effectiveness of local initiatives, though the 43% above UK average for possession of weapons raises questions about enforcement gaps in rural areas. Residents may find the 38 crimes per day figure useful for contextualising local safety, particularly during peak tourist periods.

Herefordshire’s crime rate remained stable at 6.1 per 1,000 residents in August 2023, matching the previous month’s rate exactly. This consistency contrasts with national trends, where the UK average stands at 8.1 per 1,000 residents—a gap that Herefordshire maintains through its generally lower crime profile. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 38 crimes per day, a figure that may feel higher to residents during busy holiday periods but remains lower than the UK average when scaled to population size. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 164 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK’s average, which would be significantly higher given the higher overall rate. When viewed through the lens of Herefordshire’s population of 191,047, the 1,164 total crimes represent a manageable level of activity, particularly in a rural district where community policing and lower population density may contribute to reduced crime visibility. The comparison underscores Herefordshire’s ability to maintain safety standards despite seasonal fluctuations, though the 43% above UK average rate for weapon possession suggests a need for targeted interventions in specific areas. This data reinforces the importance of context: while the numbers appear low in absolute terms, they must be interpreted within the framework of local demographics and policing strategies.