Herefordshire Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Herefordshire’s crime rate in November 2024 stood at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, 32.9% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This continued trend of lower-than-national crime rates reflects the area’s unique characteristics, including a mix of rural and urban environments with a strong emphasis on community policing. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.5% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.5%) and criminal damage and arson (8.9%). These figures align with seasonal patterns, as November’s shorter days and colder weather may have contributed to increased anti-social behaviour in public spaces. The relatively low rate of property crimes—such as shoplifting, burglary, and vehicle crime—compared to the UK average suggests that Herefordshire’s smaller, more tightly knit communities and lower population density may act as natural deterrents to such offences. However, the persistent presence of violence and sexual offences highlights the need for ongoing efforts to address underlying social and economic factors. The seasonal context of November, with events like Bonfire Night and Black Friday, likely played a role in shaping crime patterns, though the exact connections remain to be explored. Overall, the data illustrates a safer area than the UK average, but with specific challenges that require targeted attention.

November saw a 20% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 5 to 6 incidents. This rise, though small, may be linked to the darkening evenings and increased retail activity around Black Friday, which could have left bikes more vulnerable in poorly lit areas. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose by 6.2%, from 81 to 86 cases, reflecting seasonal tensions or the impact of Bonfire Night events. In contrast, robbery incidents fell sharply by 55.6%, from 9 to 4, a drop that may indicate improved security measures or reduced opportunities during the month. The decrease in possession of weapons—down 38.5% from 13 to 8—suggests a possible reduction in knife crime. These shifts highlight the need for vigilance in specific areas, particularly where bicycle theft is on the rise, while the decline in violent crime offers a cautiously optimistic note for residents.

Herefordshire’s crime rate in November 2024 fell by 4.9% compared to the previous month, reflecting a continued downward trend. With 966 crimes reported over 30 days, that equates to roughly 32 crimes per day—an average that remains below the UK national average. For residents, this translates to a monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for every 198 people, a figure that underscores the area’s relatively low crime profile compared to other parts of the country. While the overall rate is down, the daily crime count highlights the persistent presence of crime in everyday life, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or commercial activity. The population context further illustrates that, despite the low rate, the impact of crime is still felt by a small but notable portion of the community, especially in regions where anti-social behaviour and violence are more concentrated. This suggests that while Herefordshire is generally safer than the UK average, targeted awareness and localised strategies may still be necessary in specific areas.