Herefordshire Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Herefordshire’s September 2023 crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 25% reduction compared to the UK average, positioning the area as one of the safer regions in the country. The most notable outlier in the data was burglary, which remained 25% above the national average, despite a slight monthly decline. This discrepancy highlights the uneven distribution of crime within the local authority, with certain areas experiencing higher-than-expected levels of residential crime. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, accounting for 41.2% of all reported incidents, a figure that is 9% below the UK average. This suggests a relatively lower prevalence of violent crime in Herefordshire compared to other parts of the UK, though the high proportion of violent offences still warrants attention. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 15.5% of total crimes, and was 33% below the national average—a trend consistent with the area’s generally quiet character, though the seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university freshers—may have temporarily increased tensions in public spaces. Public order offences, which are 19% below the UK average, further illustrate a pattern of lower levels of disruptive behaviour compared to national benchmarks. The overall crime picture in Herefordshire appears to be shaped by its mix of rural and urban environments, with lower crime rates in more isolated areas and higher concentrations in Hereford town centre, where retail and hospitality activity may drive anti-social behaviour and public order issues. The seasonal context of September, with its transition from summer to autumn, may also influence crime patterns, as shorter evenings and the start of the academic year alter community dynamics. While the overall rate remains stable, the persistent above-average burglary rate indicates a need for targeted interventions in specific locations.

September 2023 saw a dramatic 180% increase in vehicle crime, with incidents rising from 15 to 42. This spike may be linked to seasonal factors, such as increased traffic during the university freshers’ period or changes in parking patterns. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 46.8%, from 94 to 50, possibly reflecting reduced footfall in retail areas as the month progressed. Theft from the person doubled, jumping from 0 to 4, a statistic that would be particularly relevant for residents attending social events or navigating crowded areas. Burglary, though lower than the previous month, remained 25% above the UK average, indicating a persistent challenge in certain parts of Herefordshire. The sharp rise in vehicle crime contrasts with steep declines in other categories, such as robbery, which dropped by 71.4% from 7 to 2. These shifts suggest a combination of local dynamics, from seasonal activity to targeted policing efforts.

Herefordshire’s crime rate in September 2023 remained marginally lower than the previous month, falling from 6.1 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents. This slight decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area over recent months, though the rate remains 25% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the local authority recorded approximately 38 crimes per day, a figure that provides context for residents assessing the frequency of incidents in their communities. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 168 residents, highlighting the relatively low exposure to crime compared to national benchmarks. When scaled to the population of 191,047, this rate underscores Herefordshire’s position as a safer area relative to the UK average, though local variations in crime distribution—such as the 25% above-average burglary rate—suggest targeted areas may require closer attention. The consistency in the overall rate, despite fluctuations in specific crime categories, indicates a stable but not static crime profile for the region.