Herefordshire Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile in Herefordshire for July 2023, accounting for 39.1% of all reported crimes. This category alone records 452 incidents, a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents—14% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. The area’s overall crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents places it 26.5% below the UK average of 8.3, a gap that reflects consistently lower levels of property crime and anti-social behaviour compared to national trends. With July marking the peak of summer, the seasonal context likely plays a role in shaping these patterns: longer evenings, increased social activity, and a surge in tourism may contribute to higher reports of violent crime, while the absence of school holidays could reduce opportunities for certain property-related offences. Anti-social behaviour remains the second most common category, at 16.3% of total crimes, with a rate of 1.0 per 1,000—30% below the UK average. This suggests that local policing efforts or community initiatives may be effectively addressing disruptive behaviour. The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with many urban centres, where theft and burglary often lead statistics. Herefordshire’s rural character, combined with its status as a market town with a mix of historic and modern amenities, may influence this dynamic. While festivals and events in July could temporarily elevate incidents of violence, the overall low crime rate indicates a generally safe environment for residents and visitors.

July 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Shoplifting increased by 49.2% compared to the previous month, rising from 61 to 91 incidents—a sharp jump that may reflect the influx of tourists during peak summer season, particularly in retail areas. Conversely, robbery rates dropped by 66.7%, falling from nine to three incidents, a decline that could indicate improved security measures or reduced opportunities in high-traffic zones. Public order offences also fell by 33.6%, from 110 to 73, linked to the closure of schools and a shift in community activity patterns. The category of possession of weapons rose by 40%, with 14 reported cases compared to 10 in June, a figure that is 25% above the UK average. This anomaly may warrant closer attention, though no direct causal factors are evident from the data. Meanwhile, drug-related offences increased by 25%, from 24 to 30, though this remains a relatively minor category at 2.6% of total crimes. The stark reduction in bicycle theft—33.3% fewer cases—suggests that local efforts to secure parking areas or promote awareness may have had an impact. These shifts highlight how seasonal and situational factors can influence crime trends, even within a broadly stable overall rate.

Herefordshire’s crime rate in July 2023 (6.1 per 1,000 residents) marks a 9.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.7, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 37 crimes per day, a figure that provides context for residents assessing local safety. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 165 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. When compared to the previous month, the decline in robbery and public order offences suggests that targeted interventions or natural seasonal factors may be contributing to improved conditions. However, the rise in shoplifting and drug-related incidents highlights the need for tailored approaches to address specific vulnerabilities. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that Herefordshire’s residents face a significantly lower risk of crime than the national average, with property crimes and anti-social behaviour both remaining well below UK levels. This comparison reinforces the area’s position as a relatively safe place to live, though the data also points to areas where focused efforts could yield further improvements.