Ledbury Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Ledbury, a built-up area within Herefordshire, reported 54 crimes across its population of 9,409 residents. This translates to a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 people, placing the area 24% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. The crime profile shows a mix of violent and property-related incidents, with violence and sexual offences (19 cases) making up the largest share at 35.2%, followed by anti-social behaviour (10 cases) at 18.5% and criminal damage and arson (7 cases) at 13.0%. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and spring weather—likely influenced patterns of outdoor activity, which may have contributed to fluctuations in certain crime types. While the overall rate remains lower than the UK average, specific categories such as burglary and criminal damage and arson exceed national benchmarks. This suggests a combination of local factors, such as the area's rural character and the presence of built-up zones, and broader regional trends. The data underscores the importance of contextualising crime rates within both geographic and temporal frameworks, ensuring that comparisons reflect the unique dynamics of Ledbury's environment.

April 2023 saw significant month-on-month changes in specific crime categories, with public order offences surging by 400% (from 1 to 5 cases) and vehicle crime doubling (from 1 to 2 cases). These increases may reflect heightened activity during the Easter holiday period, which often brings transient populations and increased foot traffic to local areas. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by two-thirds (from 3 to 1 case), while shoplifting and other thefts each declined by 50%. This suggests a temporary shift in criminal focus, possibly influenced by seasonal rhythms. Violence and sexual offences remained 23% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Ledbury's generally lower crime profile. However, burglary in the area was 100% above the UK average, indicating a localised challenge that warrants attention. The mix of crimes also highlights a balance between violent incidents (19 cases) and property-related crimes (18 cases), with the latter showing a slight edge. For residents, the sharp rise in public order offences serves as a key data point, underscoring the need for community engagement strategies during peak event periods.

Compared to March 2023, when the crime rate stood at 6.9 per 1,000 residents, April 2023 marked a 16.9% decline, reflecting a downward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, Ledbury experienced approximately 2 crimes per day in April, a figure that, while low, remains a tangible reminder of the need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 174 residents, illustrating the relatively low frequency of incidents within this population. When contextualised against the area's population size, this rate suggests that most residents are not directly affected by crime on a regular basis. However, the disparity between Ledbury's burglary rate (0.6 per 1,000) and the UK average (0.3 per 1,000) highlights a specific vulnerability that may require targeted interventions. The comparison also reveals that certain categories, such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences, fluctuate significantly, potentially influenced by transient factors like seasonal events. For local authorities, this data reinforces the importance of maintaining consistent policing efforts while addressing the unique challenges posed by the area's built-up character and rural surroundings.