Herefordshire Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Herefordshire's crime rate in September 2024 was 5.1 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 33.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This significant gap underscores the area's relative safety compared to the national picture, though the crime profile remains shaped by local factors such as its rural character and the presence of educational institutions. Violence and sexual offences were the most common category, accounting for 38% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.7%) and criminal damage and arson (8.0%). These figures suggest a mix of persistent issues, such as interpersonal conflicts, and occasional spikes in property-related crimes. The seasonal context of September, marked by the start of the academic year and the transition into cooler weather, may have influenced these trends. For instance, the high proportion of violent crimes could be linked to the return of students to campus areas. Conversely, the relatively low rates of vehicle crime and burglary may reflect Herefordshire's rural landscape, where fewer cars are parked in public spaces and homes are more spread out, reducing opportunities for such offences. The data also highlights the importance of localised factors in shaping crime patterns, with the area's lower population density and community-oriented policing likely contributing to its overall lower crime rate compared to the UK average.

September 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns across Herefordshire. Bicycle theft increased by 57.1%, rising from 7 to 11 incidents, a figure that sits 11% above the UK average for this category. This surge may be linked to the start of the academic year, with an influx of students and increased cycling activity. Vehicle crime also rose sharply by 47.8%, from 23 to 34 incidents, potentially influenced by changing weather patterns and the start of the university term. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 26.0%, falling from 192 to 142 incidents, a trend that could reflect the return of students to more structured environments. Possession of weapons saw a 35.3% drop, from 17 to 11 cases, due to increased police presence during the university freshers' week. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 24.5%, with incidents dropping from 102 to 77, a decline that may be attributed to enhanced retail security measures during the back-to-school period.

Herefordshire's crime rate in September 2024 stood at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, a 12.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.8 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as the transition into autumn often sees reduced outdoor activity and fewer late-night incidents in areas like Herefordshire. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 32 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the overall rate in a tangible, localised way. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 197 residents, highlighting the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. With a population of 191,047, the area's lower crime rate suggests a combination of community policing efforts, lower population density, and fewer high-risk environments such as major transport hubs or dense urban centres. This monthly exposure figure reinforces the perception that Herefordshire is a safer area than the national average, though local factors such as seasonal school activities may influence crime trends in specific areas.