Herefordshire Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Herefordshire's crime profile in July 2023, accounting for 39.1% of all reported crimes and contributing to a total crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 26.5% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000, a gap that reflects the district's relatively low crime profile compared to other parts of the country. The prominence of violent crimes, which include assault, sexual offences, and other forms of interpersonal violence, may be influenced by Herefordshire's demographic composition, which includes a mix of rural and urban communities. The summer season, with its associated factors such as school holidays, increased tourism, and outdoor events, likely played a role in shaping crime patterns during the month. While violent crimes remained the most frequent category, other types such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also contributed significantly to the overall rate. Anti-social behaviour accounted for 16.3% of all crimes, with a rate of 1.0 per 1,000 residents—30% below the UK average. This suggests that local efforts to manage community tensions or address root causes of anti-social behaviour may have had a measurable impact. Meanwhile, shoplifting, though a smaller proportion of total crimes, saw a notable 49.2% increase month-on-month, linked to the influx of visitors during the summer. The overall crime rate in Herefordshire for July 2023 highlights a combination of local conditions, seasonal factors, and broader national trends, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for crime prevention in the area.

July 2023 saw a 49.2% increase in shoplifting compared to June, rising from 61 to 91 incidents. This surge may be linked to the summer tourist season, which brings higher foot traffic to retail areas in Herefordshire. Conversely, robbery incidents dropped by 66.7%, declining from nine to three cases, suggesting potential improvements in security measures or reduced opportunities for such crimes during the month. Public order offences also fell by 33.6%, decreasing from 110 to 73, which could reflect the impact of local initiatives or increased community engagement during the summer. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, with a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents—14% below the UK average. This category's dominance underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where such crimes are concentrated. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose by 40%, increasing from 10 to 14 cases, a figure that is 25% above the UK average and deserves closer attention.

Herefordshire's crime rate in July 2023 stood at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, a 9.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.7. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area during summer months, potentially influenced by seasonal factors such as extended daylight hours and increased community activity. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 37 crimes per day in July, a figure that reflects the distribution of crime across the district's population. When scaled to the local population of 191,047, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 165 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of how frequently residents encounter crime, though it does not account for variations in local demographics or geographic distribution. The reduction in overall crime compared to June may also be linked to targeted policing efforts or the natural ebb and flow of crime during peak summer periods, though can be established without further data.