Herefordshire Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Herefordshire's crime rate in October 2024 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 34.6% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This performance reflects a combination of local factors and broader regional trends, with the area maintaining a consistent pattern of lower crime rates compared to national benchmarks. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (37.3% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.0%) and shoplifting (9.2%). These figures align with Herefordshire's character as a mixed rural-urban district, where violent crime often occurs in more densely populated areas such as Hereford town centre, while shoplifting is concentrated in retail hubs. The seasonal context of October—marked by darker evenings and the approach of Halloween—likely influenced patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order offences, though these remained significantly below UK averages. Violence and sexual offences, while the most common category, were still 25% below the national rate, suggesting effective policing strategies or community engagement initiatives in high-risk areas. The relatively low rate of burglary (0.2 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) further support the area's status as a low-crime region, though the slight seasonal uptick in shoplifting may indicate the need for targeted interventions during peak retail periods. Overall, Herefordshire's crime profile in October 2024 illustrates a balance between local challenges and sustained performance below national averages, with the area's rural-urban mix and community-focused policing likely contributing to its comparative safety.

October 2024 saw a marked decrease in theft from the person, falling by 87.5% to just one incident from eight in September—a reduction that likely reflects heightened community awareness around Halloween safety measures. Bicycle theft also declined by 54.5%, with incidents dropping from 11 to 5, a trend consistent with the season's reduced outdoor activity and increased visibility of lights. Meanwhile, shoplifting increased by 22.1% to 94 cases, potentially linked to seasonal retail activity and Halloween-related shopping. Violent crime remains 25% below the UK average at 2.0 per 1,000, while anti-social behaviour is 38% below the national rate at 0.8 per 1,000. These figures highlight the area's ability to maintain low levels of serious crime despite seasonal fluctuations. The 52.2% rise in 'other crime' to 35 incidents may warrant closer scrutiny, though it remains far below the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000.

Herefordshire's crime rate in October 2024 rose slightly to 5.3 per 1,000 residents from 5.1 per 1,000 in September, marking a 4.9% increase. This small upward trend contrasts with the area's consistent performance below the UK average, which remains 34.6% lower than the national rate of 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 33 crimes per day in October, a figure that aligns with seasonal patterns but remains significantly lower than the UK's average daily rate. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 188 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores Herefordshire's relatively low crime environment compared to the national context. While the increase from September is notable, the overall trajectory remains firmly in line with the area's historical trend of maintaining a crime rate well below the UK average, even as local factors such as Halloween and darker evenings influence specific crime types.