Herefordshire Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2025, Herefordshire’s crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 30% below the UK average, a figure that translates to a daily risk of approximately one crime for every 204 residents. This per-capita perspective highlights the area’s relatively low exposure to crime, even as seasonal factors like the Christmas shopping peak and dark winter evenings influence crime patterns. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (40.3% of all crimes), anti-social behaviour (13.9%), and criminal damage and arson (10.9%), with each category showing a marked deviation from the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, for instance, were 22% below the national rate, a discrepancy that may reflect Herefordshire’s rural nature and lower population density, which limits opportunities for certain types of crime. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, was 25% below the UK average, possibly linked to the area’s quieter, more community-focused environment. Seasonal context plays a crucial role in shaping these trends: the Christmas shopping period may have driven some property crimes, while the extended darkness of December could have contributed to increased incidents of criminal damage and arson, particularly in sparsely populated areas. Shoplifting remained 30% below the UK average, a trend that could be attributed to Herefordshire’s smaller retail footprint compared to urban centres. These patterns illustrate how geographic and demographic factors interact with seasonal rhythms to shape crime dynamics in a rural setting.

December 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with increases in possession of weapons (+100%), criminal damage and arson (+20%), and bicycle theft (+12.5%). These rises may be linked to seasonal factors, such as the dark winter evenings and increased social gatherings during the holiday period. Conversely, crimes like drugs (-34.9%) and robbery (-28.6%) fell sharply, suggesting a possible reduction in illicit activity or improved enforcement during the festive season. Violent crimes remained 22% below the UK average at 2.0 per 1,000, a figure that contrasts with the national trend. For residents, the daily crime count of 30 offers a concrete benchmark for understanding local risk. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting were both significantly below the UK average, reflecting Herefordshire’s distinct social and economic dynamics.

Herefordshire’s crime rate in December 2025 dropped by 6.1% compared to November’s 5.2 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. Daily, the area saw approximately 30 crimes reported, a figure that, while consistent with previous months, remains significantly lower than the UK average. Over the course of December, one crime was reported for every 204 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area’s relatively low risk profile compared to national benchmarks. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, offering a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Herefordshire’s crime rate is not only below the UK average but also shows a marked reduction in property crimes, which may partly explain the overall decline. This aligns with the area’s rural character, where fewer densely populated zones and lower foot traffic in public spaces likely contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime.