Ledbury Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Ledbury’s December 2024 crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents places it 43.7% below the UK average, a stark contrast to national trends. This figure, though modest, reflects a landscape shaped by seasonal dynamics and local characteristics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.8% of all crimes, yet these incidents remained 41% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting that the area’s safety in this category may be influenced by its relatively small population and limited nightlife. Shoplifting, the second most common crime, occurred at 0.5 per 1,000 residents—12% below the UK average—potentially indicating that local retail environments are either well-secured or less frequented by opportunistic offenders. The seasonal context of December, with its Christmas shopping surge, dark evenings, and holiday-related absences, likely contributed to fluctuations in crime types. For instance, the 300% rise in burglary could be tied to vacant homes, while the 70% drop in anti-social behaviour may reflect reduced public gatherings. These patterns highlight the interplay between geography, demographics, and temporal factors, offering a nuanced view of crime in this built-up area of Herefordshire. The low overall rate, combined with specific categories like violent crime falling significantly below the UK average, underscores the area’s unique position within the broader crime profile.

December 2024 saw a dramatic 300% increase in burglary cases, rising from one to four incidents. This spike, while still low in absolute terms, may be linked to seasonal factors such as vacant homes during the Christmas holidays. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 70% (from 10 to 3), possibly reflecting reduced public gatherings during the festive period. Violent crimes also declined by 46.2%, from 26 to 14, a shift that aligns with the UK average for this category (2.6 per 1,000) and suggests a 41% gap between Ledbury and national trends. Shoplifting remained below the UK average (0.5 vs 0.6 per 1,000), indicating that local retail areas may have effective security measures or low foot traffic. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal rhythms and local crime patterns, offering residents a tangible example of how community dynamics can influence crime trends.

Ledbury's crime rate in December 2024 (4.0 per 1,000 residents) marks a 36.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of winter months, when reduced foot traffic and holiday-related absences may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for consistent community vigilance. Over the course of December, one crime was reported for roughly every 248 residents, placing Ledbury among the safest areas in the UK for this period. This monthly exposure rate, when contextualised against the local population of 9,409, illustrates that the majority of residents faced minimal direct risk. The contrast with the UK average—where 7.1 crimes occur per 1,000 people—further highlights the area’s relative security, particularly given its smaller size and likely rural-urban mix. These figures suggest that local factors, such as community cohesion or effective policing, may play a role in maintaining this low crime environment.