Ledbury Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Ledbury's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 5.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 27.1% below the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reveals a complex picture shaped by local conditions and seasonal dynamics. The most prevalent crimes were anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, each contributing 25% of the total 48 reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.3 per 1,000, was 40% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may be attributed to the area's built-up character and the social interactions typical of a small urban centre. Violence and sexual offences, though lower than the UK average (1.3 vs 2.6 per 1,000), saw a significant month-on-month decline, likely influenced by holiday-related behavioural patterns and reduced public events. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the temporary absence of some residents—may have contributed to fluctuations in certain crime types. For instance, shoplifting increased sharply, linked to the surge in retail activity and the presence of out-of-town shoppers. Meanwhile, the drop in criminal damage and arson could reflect both reduced opportunities during the holidays and the impact of local policing efforts. These patterns highlight the interplay between geography, demographics, and seasonal rhythms in shaping crime trends. As a small built-up area within Herefordshire, Ledbury's relatively low crime rate contrasts with the higher prevalence of anti-social behaviour, suggesting that community-specific factors may play a critical role in local crime dynamics. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where anti-social behaviour remains a persistent issue, while also acknowledging the positive trends in reducing other categories of crime.

December 2025 marked a sharp increase in other theft and shoplifting, with the former rising by 300% (1 to 4 incidents) and the latter by 200% (1 to 3 incidents), suggesting heightened activity in retail or residential areas during the festive season. Conversely, criminal damage and arson plummeted by 83.3% (12 to 2 incidents), potentially linked to reduced public gatherings or stricter enforcement during the holiday period. Anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 25% of total crimes, remained 40% above the UK average (1.3 vs 0.9 per 1,000), indicating a persistent challenge in managing community disturbances. Violence and sexual offences, however, dropped by 45.5% (22 to 12), aligning with a UK average that is 49% lower than the national rate, a contrast that may reflect local demographic or policing strategies. These shifts underscore the dynamic nature of crime patterns in Ledbury, where seasonal factors and local initiatives appear to influence specific categories differently.

Ledbury's crime rate in December 2025 (5.1 per 1,000 residents) represents a 7.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.5 per 1,000, reflecting a downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 196 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in comparison to the UK average. This statistic, when paired with Ledbury's population of 9,409, illustrates that the area's crime profile remains significantly lower than the national benchmark. The decline from November suggests a potential seasonal moderation, though factors such as holiday-related activity and reduced foot traffic during December could also play a role in shaping these figures.