Herefordshire Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Herefordshire's crime rate in April 2024 stood at 5.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 24.7% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This performance positions the area as one of the safer regions in the country, though it is not without its challenges. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 37.6% of all recorded incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.6%) and other theft (8.4%). These figures align with Herefordshire's character as a largely rural district with a mix of small towns and open countryside, where community cohesion often mitigates more severe forms of criminal activity. The seasonal context of April—marked by the Easter holiday and the transition into spring—may have influenced patterns, with increased outdoor activity potentially contributing to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and other theft, while also reducing opportunities for vehicle crime as people stay closer to home. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Herefordshire was 14% below the UK average, a figure consistent with the area's lower population density and fewer concentrated urban centres. The relatively low rates of shoplifting (40% below the UK average) and vehicle crime (79% below) further reflect the area's rural nature, where retail hubs are fewer and more spread out, limiting opportunities for such crimes. These trends suggest that Herefordshire's crime profile is shaped by both its geographic and demographic characteristics, with seasonal factors playing a nuanced role in shaping monthly variations.

April saw notable shifts in specific crime categories, with burglary increasing by 45.7% compared to March, a jump from 35 to 51 incidents. This rise may be linked to Easter holidays, when homes are more likely to be unoccupied. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 20.6% (34 to 27), potentially reflecting reduced outdoor activity during inclement spring weather. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 37.6% of all crimes, yet their rate was 14% below the UK average. A sharp increase in possession of weapons (45.5% rise) highlights a local concern, as this category was 43% above the national average. Residents might find the 100% reduction in robbery from 10 to 4 cases particularly reassuring, indicating effective local measures or seasonal deterrence. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of crime patterns even within a stable overall rate.

Herefordshire's crime rate in April 2024 remained stable compared to March, with a negligible -0.5% decrease from 5.9 to 5.8 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no significant short-term fluctuations in criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 37 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of community life without sharp spikes or dips. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 172 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Herefordshire well below the UK average in terms of frequency. With a population of 191,047, this rate translates to a relatively low level of personal risk for residents, though crime distribution can vary across different neighbourhoods within the district. The stability in overall crime rate contrasts with the UK's broader trends, where national averages often reflect more pronounced seasonal or economic shifts.