Herefordshire Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

June 2023 marked a period of relative stability for Herefordshire’s crime profile, with an overall rate of 6.7 crimes per 1,000 residents—21.2% below the UK average of 8.5. This continued performance places the district among the safer areas in the country, a pattern likely influenced by its rural character and lower population density. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 37.9% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.3%. These figures, while significant, remain well below national averages, with violent crime 14% lower than the UK rate and anti-social behaviour 12% below. The seasonal context of June—marking the beginning of the summer season—may have contributed to a slight uptick in certain categories, such as public order offences, which increased by 39.2% compared to May. However, the overall trend remains one of controlled crime rates, with property crimes (387) and violent crimes (482) maintaining a balanced distribution. Herefordshire’s performance in categories like shoplifting (44% below UK average) and vehicle crime (57% below) highlights a consistent pattern of lower incidents in areas typically associated with urban centres. This may reflect the district’s rural nature, where retail hubs are fewer and more dispersed, reducing opportunities for such crimes. While direct causes, the interplay of geographical factors and seasonal rhythms likely plays a role in shaping these outcomes. As the summer progresses, continued monitoring will be essential to identify any emerging patterns that could affect the district’s crime profile.

The most striking change in June 2023 was a 350% increase in robbery cases, rising from 2 to 9. This surge, while small in absolute terms, represents a significant shift and may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic in retail areas during the summer. Concurrently, bicycle theft rose by 50%, a 12-unit jump to 18 cases, potentially influenced by the start of university holidays or increased cycling activity. In contrast, other crime categories showed declines, including a 28.6% drop in 'other crime' (from 21 to 15) and a 12.7% decrease in burglary (from 63 to 55). These reductions align with Herefordshire’s overall trend of remaining 21.2% below the UK average, particularly in categories like shoplifting (44% below the UK rate) and vehicle crime (57% below). The data also reveals that violence and sexual offences, at 37.9% of total crimes, remain the most prevalent category, though they still sit 14% below the UK average. For residents, the sharp rise in robbery serves as a tangible reminder of the need for vigilance in public spaces.

Herefordshire's crime rate in June 2023 rose by 6.9% compared to May, moving from 6.2 to 6.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a continued trend of stability within a historically low-crime area. On a daily basis, the district experienced approximately 42 crimes each day in June—a figure that, while locally specific, underscores the consistent presence of criminal activity. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 150 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains well below the UK average. This statistic, when contextualised against Herefordshire’s population of nearly 191,000, suggests that the majority of residents are not directly affected by crime on a regular basis. However, the slight upward movement in crime rate highlights the need for ongoing monitoring, particularly as seasonal factors may influence patterns in the coming months.