Herefordshire Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Herefordshire's crime profile in August 2024 reveals a notable shift in the balance between violent and property crimes, with violent offences (428) outpacing property crimes (331) for the first time this year. This divergence from earlier patterns may be influenced by seasonal factors, as August typically sees increased tourism and holiday activity in the area. The overall crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents places Herefordshire 29.3% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, a consistent trend reflecting the area's relatively low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent category, accounting for 38.8% of all reported crimes, though this figure is 18% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (17.4%) and shoplifting (9.3%) follow as the next most common categories, both significantly below national benchmarks. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month and increased transient populations—may contribute to the higher proportion of violent crimes, though the exact relationship requires further analysis. This pattern contrasts with the typically lower property crime rates observed in rural areas, where burglary and vehicle crime are often more pronounced but remain well below UK averages in Herefordshire. The localised nature of Herefordshire's crime picture, with its mix of rural and urban environments, suggests that factors such as community policing efforts, seasonal tourism, and the area's economic structure all play roles in shaping the current crime profile.

August 2024 saw significant increases in robbery (+166.7%) and theft from the person (+75.0%) compared to July, reflecting a shift in the crime mix towards more direct victimisation offences. This contrasts with notable decreases in drugs-related offences (-28.1%) and vehicle crime (-23.3%), suggesting a reallocation of criminal activity rather than an overall escalation. The dominance of violent crimes (428) over property crimes (331) marks a departure from earlier trends, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 38.8% of all reported crimes—18% below the UK average. The sharp rise in possession of weapons (+70.0%) to 17 incidents raises questions about localised factors influencing such offences, though the small absolute numbers mean this category remains a minor contributor to the overall rate. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of Herefordshire's crime profile, with seasonal factors such as increased tourism potentially playing a role in the shift towards more confrontational crimes.

Herefordshire's crime rate in August 2024 rose 8.7% from July's 5.3 per 1,000 to 5.8 per 1,000, reflecting a continued trend of gradual increase over recent months. Daily crime activity averaged 36 reported incidents, equivalent to roughly one crime for every 173 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a broader context for residents, showing that while the figure remains well below the UK average, the pace of change merits attention. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Herefordshire's crime profile, though low compared to national standards, shows subtle shifts in the types of offences reported. These figures, when paired with the local context of a largely rural area with pockets of urban centres, suggest that seasonal factors such as increased tourism in August may influence patterns. The localised nature of Herefordshire's crime profile means that while the overall rate remains stable, specific categories warrant closer examination in relation to regional and national trends.