Herefordshire Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Herefordshire, the crime rate in December 2023 translates to a 1-in-203 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month, a figure that sits 31.9% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This relatively low rate is reflected in the area’s crime profile, where violent crimes—specifically violence and sexual offences—accounted for 41.1% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.2%) and other theft (9.2%). The seasonal context of December, marked by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the temporary absence of some residents, may have influenced crime patterns, with burglary rising by 54% compared to November. However, the overall safety of the area is evident in categories such as shoplifting, which were 59% below the UK average, and vehicle crime, which fell 78% below the national rate. These figures suggest that Herefordshire’s mix of rural and urban environments, combined with seasonal factors, contributes to a crime profile that is less severe than the national average. The dominance of violent crimes in the local breakdown, though, raises questions about the underlying dynamics of interpersonal conflict in the region. While the exact causes remain unclear, the data underscores a consistent trend of lower crime rates in Herefordshire compared to the UK, particularly in property-related offences. This contrast may be partly explained by the area’s smaller population density, which could reduce opportunities for certain types of crime, or by local policing strategies that have effectively curbed incidents. As the year draws to a close, the December figures provide a snapshot of how Herefordshire’s crime profile interacts with broader national trends, offering residents a sense of proportion when assessing their personal risk.

December 2023 saw notable shifts in Herefordshire’s crime profile, with burglary increasing by 54% compared to November, likely reflecting seasonal patterns such as empty homes during the holiday period. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 44.4%, potentially linked to reduced public transport usage and fewer commuters during the festive season. Theft from the person rose sharply by 100%, though this remains a rare occurrence given the overall low rate (0.0 per 1,000). Violent crimes, while still the most common category (41.1% of total), were 24% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the national trend. Anti-social behaviour also remained 25% below the UK average, suggesting that local initiatives or community cohesion may be contributing to this disparity. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal factors and local crime dynamics, offering residents a clearer picture of where risks are concentrated.

Herefordshire’s crime rate in December 2023 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, a 5.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.2. This decline, though modest, aligns with broader trends observed during the festive season, when heightened community vigilance and reduced public activity may contribute to lower reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 30 crimes per day, a figure that, while localised, offers context for residents assessing their personal risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 203 residents, illustrating the relatively low frequency of incidents in proportion to the population. This monthly exposure metric, when compared to national averages, underscores Herefordshire’s position as a safer region, particularly in categories such as vehicle crime and shoplifting, which are significantly below UK levels. The population-scaled perspective further highlights that, despite the absolute number of crimes, the rate remains well within the bounds of a low-risk environment for most residents.