Hungerford Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2023, Hungerford recorded 18 crimes across its population of 5,844 residents, resulting in a crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 people—58.7% below the UK average of 7.5. This stark contrast to national trends underscores the area’s position as a relatively safe built-up zone within West Berkshire, though it is not without specific vulnerabilities. Property crimes dominated the landscape, accounting for 11 of the 18 total incidents, with burglary making up 33.3% of all reported crimes (six incidents). This rate of 1.0 per 1,000 residents is 194% above the UK average for burglary, a notable outlier that may be influenced by the town’s mix of historic homes and commercial properties. Violent crime, meanwhile, was significantly lower than the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 0.9 per 1,000 (27.8% of total crimes) and 65% below the national rate. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and extended dark evenings—likely contributed to shifts in crime patterns. For instance, the spike in burglary may be tied to increased foot traffic around retail areas or the timing of seasonal events, while the decline in violent crime could reflect reduced outdoor activity as daylight hours shortened. The town’s overall crime profile, therefore, illustrates a combination of geographic and temporal factors that shape local crime dynamics, with property-related offences emerging as a persistent challenge even in a low-crime environment.

November 2023 saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with burglary increasing by 100% compared to the previous month, rising from three to six incidents. This spike, while notable, contrasts sharply with a 61.5% decline in violence and sexual offences, which dropped from 13 to five cases. The category of 'other theft' also doubled, reflecting a 100% increase, which may be linked to seasonal shopping activity around Black Friday. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 75%, from four to one incident, potentially influenced by shorter evenings and reduced outdoor activity. Anti-social behaviour, another category in decline, dropped by two-thirds, from six to two cases. These shifts highlight a mix of seasonal and situational factors, with property crimes—particularly burglary—emerging as a key concern despite Hungerford’s overall low crime rate. The town’s burglary rate of 1.0 per 1,000 residents, 194% above the UK average, underscores a local anomaly that contrasts with the broader trend of violent crime decreasing significantly below national levels.

In November 2023, Hungerford recorded 18 crimes across its population of 5,844, translating to one reported crime for every 325 residents over the month. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible sense of scale for local residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering crime is relatively low compared to larger urban areas. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly one crime per day, a figure that aligns with the town's character as a small built-up area with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. When compared to the previous month, the crime rate dropped by 45.5%, falling from 5.7 to 3.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline, while significant, must be contextualised within seasonal factors—November’s shorter evenings and the timing of events like Bonfire Night may have influenced patterns. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that Hungerford’s crime rate is 58.7% below the UK average, reinforcing its position as a relatively safe area within West Berkshire. However, the monthly exposure figure remains a useful benchmark for residents to gauge their personal risk in relation to local demographics and spatial distribution of crime.