Herefordshire Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Herefordshire, 4.6 crimes were reported in December 2024, a figure that is 35.2% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This per-capita perspective reveals that the likelihood of encountering crime in the area is significantly lower than the national average, a factor that may be attributed to Herefordshire's demographic and geographic profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.5% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent category, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.9%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). These figures are consistent with seasonal patterns, as December's dark evenings and festive events may contribute to higher rates of violent and anti-social incidents. Property crimes, however, remained lower than the UK average, with shoplifting at 0.3 per 1,000 (47% below the UK rate) and burglary at 0.2 per 1,000 (35% below). The lower property crime rate may reflect Herefordshire's rural character, where fewer high-traffic retail areas and commercial zones could limit opportunities for theft. Additionally, the area's crime profile shows a stark contrast in the distribution of violent and non-violent crimes, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences being particularly prominent, linked to the social dynamics of a mixed rural-urban population. These patterns underscore the importance of contextualising crime data within the specific characteristics of the area, rather than relying solely on aggregate figures.

December saw a marked increase in theft from the person, which rose by 300% from one incident to four, a shift that may reflect heightened foot traffic during the festive season. Robbery incidents also rose by 50%, though they remain a rare occurrence at 0.0 per 1,000 residents. A notable 50% increase in possession of weapons was recorded, a category where Herefordshire's rate is 67% above the UK average. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 29.8% to 59 incidents, potentially linked to reduced retail activity during Christmas closures. Other crime categories, such as bicycle theft and other theft, saw significant declines, with bicycle theft dropping by 50% to three incidents. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, influenced by seasonal rhythms and temporary changes in public behaviour.

Herefordshire's crime rate in December 2024 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, marking an 8.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.1. This decline, while modest, suggests a stabilisation in local crime trends after a slight uptick in November. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 29 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 887 incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 215 residents, a monthly exposure rate that aligns with Herefordshire's historically lower crime profile compared to the UK average. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it translates to a tangible risk that is significantly lower than the national benchmark. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that, despite the absolute number of crimes, the likelihood of an individual encountering crime remains relatively low, a factor that may be influenced by the area's demographic and geographic characteristics.