Herefordshire Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Herefordshire recorded 919 crimes, equating to 4.8 incidents per 1,000 residents—a rate 29.4% below the UK average of 6.8. This figure translates to approximately 0.48% of the population being directly affected by crime over the month, a proportion that is lower than the national benchmark. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.4% of all reported incidents. This category’s rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents was 24% below the UK average, a gap that may reflect Herefordshire’s rural character and lower population density, which can limit opportunities for violent crimes. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 17.4% of total crimes, with a 14% deficit compared to the UK average. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday lulls, reduced retail footfall, and shorter daylight hours—likely contributed to the overall stability in crime rates. While property crimes such as shoplifting and criminal damage saw modest increases, the broader pattern of lower crime aligns with Herefordshire’s status as a largely rural area, where community policing and fewer urban centres may play a role in maintaining lower rates. The contrast with the UK average underscores the importance of local factors, such as socioeconomic conditions and geographic isolation, in shaping crime trends.

January 2026 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Shoplifting increased by 25.7% compared to December, rising from 70 to 88 incidents. This jump may be linked to post-holiday retail activity or targeted thefts in high-traffic areas. Conversely, drug-related crimes dropped by 50%, from 28 to 14, a decline that could reflect seasonal trends or reduced social gatherings during the colder months. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 23.1%, with 160 incidents reported, highlighting persistent challenges in community spaces. Meanwhile, vehicle crime remained significantly below the UK average, with a 73% deficit, due to Herefordshire’s lower urban density and fewer commercial parking zones. These shifts underscore the combination of local demographics and seasonal factors in shaping crime patterns.

Herefordshire’s crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, a 1.8% decrease from the previous month’s 4.9. This consistency suggests no major shifts in criminal activity over the holiday period. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 30 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total as a manageable volume for a region of Herefordshire’s size. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 208 residents, a rate that is 29.4% below the UK average. This lower exposure may reflect Herefordshire’s rural character, where community cohesion and lower population density can contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. The stable rate also aligns with seasonal patterns typical of January, which often see fewer outdoor crimes due to shorter daylight hours and post-holiday retail activity declines.