Herefordshire Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Herefordshire’s crime rate remain at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 29.7% below the UK average of 6.4. This figure, while consistent with the area’s historical trend of lower-than-average crime, was punctuated by unexpected shifts in specific categories. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40.6% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent type in the district. This dominance of violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where such offences constitute 22% of all reported crimes. The seasonal context of February—a month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may explain the relatively low rates of property crimes, which typically surge during busier periods. However, the data also revealed an anomaly: theft from the person, though still a minor category (0.0 per 1,000), saw a 100% increase from the previous month. This spike, though small in absolute terms, raises questions about localized factors, such as changes in public behaviour during colder weather or the movement of transient populations. Herefordshire’s overall crime profile, shaped by its rural character and lower population density, appears to be influenced by a combination of environmental factors and community dynamics. The area’s violent crime rate, at 1.8 per 1,000, is 23% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect the absence of high-density urban environments typically associated with higher levels of violent crime. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, though still below the UK average, accounted for 15.3% of all crimes, indicating persistent challenges in managing community conduct. These patterns suggest that while Herefordshire benefits from its geographical and demographic characteristics, targeted interventions may be necessary to address the specific crime types that show unexpected fluctuations.

The most striking shift in February 2026 was the 100% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 4 incidents—a jump that, while small in absolute terms, represents a significant relative change. This rise may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased indoor gatherings during colder weather, creating opportunities for opportunistic theft. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 22.2% (from 18 to 14), possibly linked to reduced outdoor activity and fewer parked vehicles in public spaces. Drug-related crimes also saw a sharp 78.6% increase, climbing from 14 to 25, a trend that stands out as Herefordshire’s rate for this category (0.1 per 1,000) is 57% below the UK average. This discrepancy suggests local enforcement or reporting practices may be influencing the data. Meanwhile, possession of weapons fell by 45.5% (from 11 to 6), a decline that could indicate successful community initiatives or targeted policing efforts. These shifts highlight the complexity of crime patterns, with some categories defying expectations despite Herefordshire’s overall low rate.

Herefordshire’s February 2026 crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents marks a 7.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.8, reflecting a continued downward trend. This reduction aligns with the seasonal context of February—a winter month with lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—potentially limiting opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 30 reported crimes, a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns, remains lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 224 residents, illustrating a relatively low monthly exposure compared to the UK’s broader context. This statistic, when scaled to Herefordshire’s population of 191,047, underscores that the majority of residents are not directly affected by crime on a daily basis. The area’s low crime rate, particularly in categories like vehicle crime and drugs, suggests a combination of local factors—such as strong community engagement, effective policing, or the absence of high-risk environments—contributing to its position well below the UK average.