Leominster Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Leominster's crime profile in April 2024 reveals a notable shift in the balance between property and violent crimes, with the latter dominating the monthly tally. The overall crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents, 9.1% above the UK average of 7.7, highlights the area's position as a built-up market town with a distinct crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38% of all reported crimes, a stark contrast to the 31% share attributed to property crimes. This divergence may be partly explained by the Easter period, which typically brings increased foot traffic to the town's historic High Street, a known retail hub. The seasonal context of April—marked by spring weather and the Easter holiday—may have influenced patterns of criminal activity, with shoplifting incidents surging to 17 (1.4 per 1,000) compared to the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. This figure, 109% above the national average, suggests a vulnerability to retail crime that aligns with the area's character as a historic market town. Anti-social behaviour also rose significantly, with 21 incidents reported (1.8 per 1,000), 48% above the UK average. This may reflect the social dynamics of a town with a mix of permanent residents and transient visitors during peak seasonal periods. While the overall rate remains within a range consistent with other market towns in Herefordshire, the disproportionate focus on violent crimes compared to the UK average indicates a need for targeted policing strategies in areas where public safety is a concern.

April 2024 saw a 325% increase in shoplifting, rising from 4 to 17 incidents, a shift that may reflect the Easter shopping period and the town's historic market centre. Violent crimes accounted for 38% of all reported incidents, outnumbering property crimes for the first time this year, a balance that contrasts with the UK average where violence and sexual offences typically make up 25% of total crimes. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour rose 48% above the UK average, with 21 incidents reported. This spike may be linked to the Easter break, which often sees increased public gatherings. Conversely, public order offences fell 28.6% month-on-month, due to the seasonal transition from winter to spring. The 109% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000 underscores the market town's vulnerability to retail crime, a pattern consistent with areas with high foot traffic and historic commercial districts.

Leominster's crime rate in April 2024 rose 10.0% from the previous month's 7.6 to 8.4 per 1,000 residents, marking the first increase since January. Daily crime activity averaged three incidents per day, a figure that, while locally contextual, reflects the built-up area's density. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 119 residents, a rate that, when scaled to the population of 11,924, illustrates the monthly exposure of residents to crime. This figure is particularly notable when considering the area's character as a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. The shift from March to April may partly explain the uptick, as the Easter holiday period often brings transient populations and increased foot traffic to local shops and attractions. However, the 38 violent crimes recorded in April contrast with the 31 property crimes, a balance that suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns not fully explained by seasonal factors alone.