Hungerford Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 5,844, Hungerford recorded 34 crimes in November 2024, translating to a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents—23.7% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This relatively low rate reflects the area's character as a small market town with a compact built-up area and limited commercial density. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 55.9% of all incidents (19 cases), followed by public order (11.8%) and criminal damage and arson (11.8%). These figures suggest a pattern influenced by local events and seasonal factors, as November brought both the heightened activity of Bonfire Night and the subdued retail environment of the post-Christmas shopping period. The higher-than-average rates for violence and sexual offences may be linked to the town's demographic profile, which includes a mix of older residents and transient visitors during the winter months. Meanwhile, the sharp declines in shoplifting and other theft categories could indicate the impact of reduced foot traffic in the evenings, exacerbated by shorter daylight hours. The crime profile also shows a notable divergence from national trends, with anti-social behaviour significantly below the UK average—a reflection of the town's tight-knit community and effective local policing. This data, when contextualised with the area's seasonal rhythms, provides a nuanced picture of crime dynamics in Hungerford that balances both local peculiarities and broader national trends.

November saw a significant 35.7% increase in violence and sexual offences, with 19 incidents reported compared to 14 in October. This rise may partly explain the overall crime rate's resilience despite a 27.6% monthly decline. Conversely, shoplifting, other theft, and drugs all fell sharply, with shoplifting dropping by 75.0% from 4 to 1 incident. These decreases contrast with the UK average for shoplifting, which Hungerford remains 71% below. The crime mix also revealed striking divergences from national trends: public order offences were 37% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 73% below. For residents, the 28% above UK average for violence and sexual offences highlights a specific area of concern, particularly as these incidents may be influenced by local factors such as Bonfire Night events. The drop in vehicle crime (32% below UK average) and other theft (64% below) suggests that targeted prevention efforts or environmental factors may be playing a role in reducing these categories.

Hungerford's crime rate in November 2024 (5.8 per 1,000) marked a 27.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.0 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in small market towns, where crime rates often dip in late autumn as local populations shift focus to seasonal events and reduced foot traffic. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime every 30 days, translating to a manageable frequency for a community of 5,844 residents. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure of one crime for every 172 residents underscores the relatively low level of risk compared to larger urban centres. This context is particularly relevant for residents and visitors, as it suggests that while crime remains a concern, the scale is proportionate to the area's size and demographics. The decline from October's figures may also reflect the impact of local initiatives or natural fluctuations in criminal activity during this time of year.