Leominster Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

A dramatic 77.4% increase in violence and sexual offences in October 2023 stands out as the most striking development in Leominster’s crime picture. This category, which now accounts for 42% of all reported crimes, rose from 31 to 55 incidents, far exceeding the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000 (70% above). The overall crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 in Leominster is 37.5% higher than the UK average of 8.0, highlighting a stark regional divergence. While property crimes make up 33.6% of the total (44 incidents), violent crime has become the dominant concern. This shift contrasts with the previous month’s profile, where property crime held a larger share. October’s seasonal context—darker evenings after the clocks went back, and Halloween activities—may partly explain the uptick in violent incidents, though no direct causal link can be confirmed. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting also remain significant concerns, with shoplifting rates 228% above the UK average. The area’s character as a largely rural built-up area within Herefordshire, with a population of 11,924, likely influences crime patterns, where limited nightlife and retail presence may not fully explain the violent crime surge. The data suggests a combination of local demographics and seasonal factors, requiring further contextual analysis.

Violence and sexual offences saw the most dramatic month-on-month increase, jumping from 31 to 55 incidents—a 77.4% rise. This category now dominates the crime profile, accounting for 42% of all reported crimes. Shoplifting, at 22 incidents (1.9 per 1,000), remains 228% above the UK average, though this figure has not changed significantly from the previous month. Conversely, burglary fell by 62.5% (from 8 to 3 incidents), and public order offences dropped by 50% (from 8 to 4). These decreases may reflect improved community engagement or seasonal changes. The sharp rise in violence and sexual offences contrasts with the UK average for this category, which is 2.7 per 1,000. Local residents may find the 42% share of violent crime in October particularly concerning, as it represents a significant shift from previous months where property crime was more prevalent. The 228% gap between Leominster’s shoplifting rate and the UK average also underscores the area’s unique challenges in retail crime prevention.

Leominster’s crime rate in October 2023 (11.0 per 1,000) represents a 24.7% increase from the previous month’s rate of 8.8 per 1,000, marking a sharp upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while localised, provides context for residents. Monthly exposure calculations show that over the course of October, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 91 residents—a rate that, while not immediately intuitive, illustrates the frequency of incidents in a community of 11,924. This compares to a UK-wide average that remains undisclosed at the daily or monthly level. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Leominster’s rate is higher than the UK average, with violent crime being the most significant contributor to this disparity. While the previous month’s rate was lower, the October figures suggest a potential shift in local crime dynamics, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as Halloween and the transition to darker evenings. These comparisons highlight the importance of monitoring local trends against broader national benchmarks to identify areas requiring targeted interventions.