Herefordshire Crime Rate March 2024 | Monthly Statistics

March 2024 marked a 16.5% increase in Herefordshire’s overall crime rate compared to February, rising to 5.9 crimes per 1,000 residents. This figure remains 23.4% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, highlighting a consistently lower crime profile than the national benchmark. The area’s crime picture was dominated by violence and sexual offences (40.3% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.3%) and criminal damage and arson (9.0%). These patterns align with Herefordshire’s character as a mix of rural and semi-urban landscapes, where community-focused policing and lower population density may contribute to reduced property crime. Seasonal factors in March—such as the transition to longer evenings and the end of winter—could influence crime dynamics, particularly in public spaces. Violence and sexual offences, though still below the UK average, accounted for nearly half of all crimes, suggesting ongoing challenges in addressing interpersonal conflict. Anti-social behaviour’s prevalence may reflect the area’s reliance on local amenities and community hubs, where disputes can escalate. The relatively low rate of vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) and burglary (0.2 per 1,000) compared to the UK average could indicate effective community engagement strategies or lower economic pressures in the region.

March 2024 saw a stark 500% increase in bicycle theft, jumping from 2 to 12 incidents. This spike may partly explain the shift in crime mix, with property crimes (358 total) now accounting for 32% of all reported crimes—up from 28% in February. Meanwhile, violent crimes (450 total) remained the largest category, though their share of total crimes dipped slightly to 40.3% from 43.5% the previous month. Burglary decreased by 25.5% (47 to 35), potentially reflecting improved domestic security measures or seasonal trends as the area moved into spring. The UK comparison reveals Herefordshire’s violence and sexual offences rate (2.4 per 1,000) is 10% below the national average, while vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) is 57% lower. Conversely, bicycle theft’s sharp rise—now 43% above the UK average—suggests a need for targeted interventions, such as increased bike parking in town centres. Residents may find the 16.5% monthly increase in overall crime rate concerning, particularly as it contrasts with the area’s historically lower crime profile.

Herefordshire’s crime rate in March 2024 rose to 5.9 per 1,000 residents, a 16.5% increase from February’s 5.0. This monthly aggregate translates to roughly 36 crimes per day—a figure that, while lower than many urban areas, reflects the area’s unique demographic and geographic profile. Over the course of March, one reported crime occurred for every 171 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is 23.4% below the UK average. When contextualised against Herefordshire’s population of 191,047, this suggests that while the area is not immune to crime, its scale remains proportionally smaller than the national average. The daily crime count (36) is lower than the UK average of 44 per day (based on 7.7 per 1,000), reinforcing Herefordshire’s position as a relatively safe region. However, the 16.5% increase from February raises questions about transient factors, such as the timing of local events or seasonal shifts in criminal activity. For instance, the end of winter and the start of spring may have altered patterns of outdoor activity, influencing crimes like bicycle theft. These numbers illustrate a community that, despite its lower crime rates, requires vigilance in addressing emerging trends.