Hungerford Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Hungerford’s February 2024 crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents places it 46.5% below the UK average of 7.1, highlighting a stark divergence from national trends. This built-up area within West Berkshire, with its compact population of 5,844, exhibits a crime profile shaped by its semi-rural character and limited urban density. The most common offences were violence and sexual offences (36.4% of total incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (18.2%) and anti-social behaviour (13.6%). These figures contrast with the UK averages for the same categories, where violence and sexual offences are 44% higher and anti-social behaviour is 52% higher. The lower-than-average rates for property crime—particularly theft from the person and vehicle crime—may reflect the area’s quieter, less densely populated environment, which likely reduces opportunities for such crimes. Seasonal factors also appear to influence the data, as February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may contribute to the relatively low overall rate. However, the 30% above-UK-average rate for criminal damage and arson suggests a localised vulnerability, tied to the area’s architectural or community characteristics. This combination of factors illustrates a place where crime is infrequent, but not entirely absent, with specific challenges that require targeted attention.

February 2024 saw a marked shift in crime patterns, with violence and sexual offences decreasing by 52.9% compared to January. This drop, from 17 to 8 incidents, may reflect the seasonal slowdown in public gatherings typical of winter months. Conversely, bicycle theft surged by 100%, rising from zero to one incident—a spike that could signal increased cycling during colder weather or targeted theft in specific areas. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 50%, though it remains well below the UK average of 1.1 per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson in Hungerford (0.7 per 1,000) exceeded the UK average (0.5 per 1,000) by 30%, suggesting a localised issue that may relate to the area’s built-up character and potential for vandalism in public spaces. These changes illustrate the dynamic nature of local crime trends, where seasonal and environmental factors can drive significant shifts in reported incidents.

Hungerford’s crime rate in February 2024 fell to 3.8 per 1,000 residents, a 31.4% decline from 5.5 per 1,000 in January. This drop aligns with the seasonal lull typical of winter months, when outdoor activity wanes and community engagement shifts indoors. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day in February, a figure that underscores the relatively low risk faced by residents compared to national averages. Monthly exposure translates to one crime per 266 residents over the course of the month—a stark contrast to the UK’s higher rates. With a population of 5,844, the area’s sparse distribution of incidents suggests a strong local deterrent to crime, whether through community policing, low population density, or other unmeasured factors. These figures illustrate a place where crime is not only infrequent but also rare when compared to the UK’s broader trends.