Herefordshire Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Herefordshire recorded 919 crimes in January 2026, translating to a crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents—27.3% below the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. This figure represents a manageable volume for a population of 191,047, with the most prevalent crime types being violence and sexual offences (40.4% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (17.4%), and shoplifting (9.6%). The lower-than-average rate positions Herefordshire as a relatively safer area, though the mix of crime types reveals a nuanced picture. Violence and sexual offences, while the most common category, were 22% below the UK average for this category, suggesting that the area’s community structures may play a role in mitigating severe criminal activity. This could be attributed to factors such as lower population density, which may reduce opportunities for violent encounters in densely populated urban environments. Anti-social behaviour, which rose by 23.1% compared to December, may reflect seasonal trends, with colder weather driving more indoor gatherings and associated disputes. Shoplifting. compared to December, remains below the UK average, indicating that Herefordshire’s retail sectors may have effective security measures in place. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday, with reduced retail footfall and shorter days—likely contributes to the observed patterns, as outdoor crime typically declines during colder months. However, the rise in anti-social behaviour could also be influenced by the area’s geography, where rural-urban dynamics may lead to different social interactions and conflict resolution mechanisms. For instance, the lower rate of vehicle crime—73% below the UK average—may be explained by Herefordshire’s relatively sparse road networks and fewer high-traffic zones compared to major cities. This suggests that local infrastructure and environmental factors are significant in shaping crime profiles. Additionally, the sharp decline in theft from the person, down to just two incidents, highlights the impact of seasonal changes on crime types, as reduced outdoor activity in January may limit opportunities for such crimes. These patterns collectively illustrate how Herefordshire’s unique characteristics—its mix of rural and urban areas, seasonal variations, and community dynamics—interact to influence crime trends in a way that differs from national averages. Understanding these local factors is crucial for developing targeted strategies to address emerging challenges while maintaining the area’s overall safety.

January 2026 saw a 25.7% rise in shoplifting, with incidents climbing from 70 to 88. This increase may be linked to post-holiday retail activity or seasonal shifts in consumer behavior, though no direct causal link is confirmed. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 23.1%, from 130 to 160, a trend that could reflect colder weather patterns or increased indoor gatherings. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 50.0%, from 4 to 2, a significant decline that aligns with the seasonal context of reduced outdoor footfall during January. Vehicle crime, which was 73% below the UK average, fell further by 44.4% (from 9 to 5), a stark contrast to the national trend. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, comprising 40.4% of total incidents, but were 22% below the UK average for this category, illustrating Herefordshire’s distinct crime profile. The data also reveals that burglary increased by 15.6%, from 32 to 37, a rise that may be associated with colder weather prompting more indoor activities or changes in property security practices. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes halved, from 28 to 14, a decrease that could reflect seasonal patterns or local law enforcement efforts targeting illicit substance distribution. This mix of rising and falling crime types underscores the complexity of Herefordshire’s security landscape, where environmental and social factors interplay to shape monthly trends. For instance, the sharp decline in theft from the person—down to just two incidents—suggests that individuals may be exercising greater caution during the colder months, due to reduced time spent in public spaces. This behavior could be particularly relevant in Herefordshire’s rural areas, where outdoor activities are less common in January compared to urban centers. Such patterns highlight the value of understanding how local conditions influence crime patterns, enabling more targeted and effective community safety initiatives.

Herefordshire’s January 2026 crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents remained stable compared to December’s 4.9, reflecting a -1.8% month-on-month decline. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall crime trends during the transition from December to January, a period typically marked by post-holiday lulls in retail-related offences. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 30 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in local communities. When scaled to Herefordshire’s population of 191,047, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 208 residents—a rate that is 27.3% below the UK average. This population-scaled perspective highlights the area’s relative safety compared to national benchmarks, though it also invites scrutiny of how local factors, such as rural-urban dynamics or seasonal patterns, might further influence crime distribution. The stability in overall rates contrasts with the UK-wide trend of slight seasonal fluctuations, suggesting Herefordshire’s crime picture may be shaped by unique geographic or demographic characteristics. For instance, the area’s mix of rural and urban environments could contribute to lower vehicle crime rates compared to densely populated regions, where car theft is more prevalent. This context reinforces the need to interpret Herefordshire’s data within the broader framework of its local geography and community structures. The rural-urban blend may also explain the relatively higher proportion of property crimes, which account for 32.1% of total incidents, compared to the UK average of 35.8%. This suggests that property-related offences are more evenly distributed across Herefordshire’s diverse landscapes, whereas urban areas might see a more concentrated focus on violent crimes due to higher population densities. Additionally, the area’s lower vehicle crime rate—73% below the UK average—could be attributed to fewer high-traffic zones or more secure parking infrastructure in residential areas, a factor that may not be as pronounced in larger cities. These nuances highlight the importance of tailoring crime prevention strategies to Herefordshire’s specific environmental and social conditions, ensuring that interventions address the unique challenges posed by its mixed-use geography.