Ledbury Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Ledbury during August 2024 reveals a marked imbalance between violent and property crimes, with violence and sexual offences comprising nearly half of all reported incidents. At 4.5 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area’s overall crime rate is 45.1% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, a gap that reflects both local characteristics and seasonal dynamics. The dominance of violent crime—20 incidents, or 47.6% of the total—contrasts sharply with property crimes, which accounted for just 10 of the 42 reported incidents. This pattern is consistent with the area’s built-up nature within Herefordshire, where social interactions and community density may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, further underscores the role of local social dynamics, with 10 incidents representing 23.8% of the total. Seasonal factors likely play a role, as August is a peak holiday month in the UK, potentially increasing opportunities for conflict and public disorder. However, the relatively low rate of property crimes—particularly burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—suggests that Ledbury’s rural-adjacent setting may limit certain types of criminal activity. The absence of significant property crime spikes, despite the holiday season, could also indicate effective local deterrence measures or a lack of targeted opportunities for such crimes. This mix of crime types illustrates a community where interpersonal tensions and anti-social behaviour are more prevalent than financial crime, a trend that may warrant further contextual analysis in relation to local demographics and seasonal rhythms.

August 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with possession of weapons increasing by 100% from zero to one incident, and burglary doubling from zero to two. These increases, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened awareness or specific incidents during the month. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 50% (from two to one), and drugs-related offences fell by 50% (from two to one), suggesting a temporary reduction in certain categories. The balance between violent and property crime also shifted, with violent crime (20 incidents) comprising nearly half of all reported crimes, while property crime remained subdued at 10 incidents. This imbalance is particularly pronounced when compared to UK averages, where violence and sexual offences in Ledbury are 22% below the national rate of 2.7 per 1,000. Similarly, anti-social behaviour is 24% below the UK average, and criminal damage and arson are 52% below the national rate. These discrepancies may indicate that Ledbury’s lower levels of public disorder and property crime are influenced by its relatively small population, rural-adjacent setting, and community-focused policing strategies. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the sharp rise in possession of weapons, which—though a single incident—could signal emerging concerns that warrant closer attention.

The crime rate in Ledbury for August 2024 (4.5 per 1,000 residents) represents an 8.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.9 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, still reflects the presence of criminal activity within a small community. When scaled to the population of 9,409 residents, this equates to one reported crime for every 224 residents over the course of the month—a rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. This monthly exposure figure, though not directly comparable to national statistics, provides context for residents: the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is comparatively low. The previous month’s rate of 4.9 per 1,000 suggests that the decline in August may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the end of the summer holiday period, which could reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the persistence of violent crime—despite the overall downward trend—highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where interpersonal conflicts are more likely to occur. The relatively low rate of property crime, particularly burglary and vehicle crime, further reinforces the idea that Ledbury’s unique demographic and geographic characteristics may play a role in shaping its crime profile compared to larger urban centres.