Herefordshire Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2024, Herefordshire recorded 988 crimes across its population of 191,047 residents, equating to a crime rate of 5.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is 29.7% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, placing the area among the safer local authority districts in England. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 41.9% of all reported incidents (414 cases). This was followed by anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter days—likely contributes to the lower volume of outdoor crimes typically associated with busier months. However, the area's relatively low crime rate may also reflect its geographical and demographic profile: Herefordshire is predominantly rural, with a significant proportion of its population residing in smaller villages and towns rather than densely populated urban centres. This dispersal of population could naturally reduce opportunities for certain crimes, particularly those requiring proximity to high-traffic areas. The data also highlights a notable disparity in crime distribution, with property-related crimes (312 incidents) accounting for roughly 31.6% of the total, while violent crimes (414) made up 41.9%. This balance is consistent with other rural areas, where property crimes often outnumber violent crimes due to lower population densities and the absence of large-scale commercial hubs. The relatively high proportion of violent crimes compared to the UK average may be partly explained by Herefordshire's proximity to major urban centres like Worcester and Birmingham, which could influence crime patterns through commuter networks and regional connectivity. Despite these factors, the area's overall safety profile remains robust, with crime rates that are significantly lower than both the national average and those of many other local authority districts. This consistency over time suggests that Herefordshire's law enforcement strategies, combined with the area's inherent characteristics, have created a crime environment that is both stable and manageable. However, the small but noticeable increase in the overall crime rate from December 2023 indicates the need for continued monitoring, particularly in light of the specific category shifts observed in January 2024.

January 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with 'other crime' surging by 108.3% (12 to 25 incidents) and theft from the person doubling from 2 to 4 cases. These increases contrast with declines in robbery (-50%), public order offences (-43.1%), and burglary (-35.1%), reflecting a combination of seasonal and local factors. The category of 'violence and sexual offences' remained 15% below the UK average at 2.2 per 1,000, a figure that may partly explain the area's overall lower crime rate. Anti-social behaviour also fell 19% below the national average, a trend consistent with Herefordshire's character as a predominantly rural district with fewer high-density urban areas. The sharp rise in 'other crime'—a category encompassing non-specific offences—suggests potential gaps in data categorisation or emerging local issues warranting further exploration. The decrease in robbery, despite the post-holiday period, may be attributed to the area's limited commercial activity outside of Hereford town centre, where retail and hospitality sectors typically see higher footfall. Meanwhile, the 30% reduction in other theft compared to the UK average could indicate effective local measures in securing properties, though this remains an area for continued monitoring.

Herefordshire's crime rate in January 2024 rose by 5.1% compared to December 2023, moving from 4.9 to 5.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. This translates to 32 reported crimes per day on average—a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's relatively low overall crime profile. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 193 residents, a ratio that places the area well below the UK average for monthly exposure. With a population of 191,047, the 988 total crimes recorded represent a manageable proportion of daily life, though the slight upward trend warrants attention. The daily crime count, while not a cause for alarm, underscores the importance of consistent community policing and local engagement. The population-scaled perspective shows that Herefordshire's residents face a lower risk of victimisation than the national average, a trend that has persisted despite the small month-on-month increase. This consistency aligns with Herefordshire's character as a predominantly rural district, where crime patterns are often shaped by seasonal factors and the dispersal of population across smaller communities. The relatively low exposure per resident is further reinforced by the area's limited high-density urban centres, which are typically associated with higher crime rates in other regions. However, the 5.1% rise in the crime rate highlights the need for ongoing vigilance, particularly as localised fluctuations in specific categories—such as the sharp increase in 'other crime'—could signal emerging issues that require targeted intervention.