Hungerford Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2024, Hungerford recorded a crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents, 26.2% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This marked reduction positions the area as one of the safest in the country, though the distribution of crime types reveals specific challenges. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 38.9% of total incidents—higher than the UK average for this category (2.8 per 1,000) but still significantly lower than the national rate. This paradox may be attributed to Hungerford's character as a small built-up area with limited nightlife and commercial activity, which likely reduces opportunities for violent crime compared to larger urban centres. However, the prominence of violence in the local crime picture suggests the need for continued vigilance, particularly during May's extended evenings and bank holidays, which may encourage outdoor socialising and associated risks. Other notable trends include a sharp rise in drug-related offences, which are 127% above the UK average, and a significant drop in public order crimes, linked to seasonal factors or changes in local enforcement priorities. The area's low overall rate is consistent with its rural-adjacent setting, where community cohesion and lower population density typically correlate with reduced crime. Nevertheless, the spike in criminal damage and arson—up 300% from April—points to emerging vulnerabilities that warrant investigation. These patterns, when viewed through the lens of Hungerford's unique geography and demographics, illustrate a combination of local dynamics and broader national trends.

May 2024 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with criminal damage and arson surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and drug-related offences doubling (from 1 to 3). This spike in property damage and illicit activity contrasts with a 71.4% drop in public order crimes, which fell from 7 to 2 cases. The dominance of violence and sexual offences—accounting for 38.9% of total crimes—remains a key concern, though this category is 15% below the UK average. Drug-related crimes in Hungerford are 127% above the UK average (0.5 vs 0.2 per 1,000), a figure that may reflect localised pressures or enforcement patterns. Meanwhile, bicycle theft and shoplifting both rose sharply, with the former exceeding the UK average by 150% (0.2 vs 0.1 per 1,000). These shifts highlight the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing drug-related crime and property damage, which are higher than national benchmarks.

Hungerford's crime rate in May 2024 (6.2 per 1,000 residents) represents a 9.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.8 per 1,000, marking a consistent downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that aligns with the low overall rate compared to the UK average. When scaled to the population of 5,844, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 162 residents. This relatively low frequency suggests a stable environment, though the distribution of crime types reveals nuances. For instance, the sharp rise in drug-related offences—up 200% from April—contrasts with a 71.4% drop in public order crimes, illustrating a shift in local challenges. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while individual incidents remain rare, targeted categories like drugs and criminal damage demand attention. These figures, when contextualised against Hungerford's character as a small built-up area, underscore the interplay between local dynamics and broader regional trends.