Hungerford Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In Hungerford, the crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents in October 2024 translates to a daily risk that is slightly lower than the UK average. This figure means that, on average, one resident in every 124 experienced a reported crime during the month, a statistic that contextualises risk in terms of personal likelihood. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (29.8% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (12.8%) and criminal damage and arson (8.5%). These patterns align with seasonal rhythms: darker evenings in October may contribute to increased anti-social behaviour, while Halloween could explain the surge in shoplifting. Violence rates, at 2.4 per 1,000, are 10% below the UK average, reflecting the town’s relatively small, close-knit community. However, the rise in property crimes—particularly burglary (up 100% from zero in September) and vehicle crime (up 49% above the UK average)—suggests vulnerabilities in securing homes and vehicles, a challenge common to many built-up areas. The overall crime rate being 1.2% below the UK average highlights Hungerford’s generally safer profile, though targeted efforts may still be needed to address specific rising categories.

October 2024 saw a dramatic 300% increase in shoplifting, jumping from 1 to 4 incidents—a sharp rise that may be linked to Halloween-related retail activity. Criminal damage and arson also doubled from 2 to 4 cases, while burglary, previously unreported, rose to 3 incidents. These increases contrast with a 75% drop in 'other crime' (from 4 to 1), though the exact nature of this category remains unspecified. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, but at 2.4 per 1,000, they are 10% below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community cohesion. Conversely, drug-related crimes surged 92% above the UK average (0.5 per 1,000 vs 0.3), indicating a potential localised issue requiring further analysis. The rise in property crimes—particularly burglary and vehicle crime—exceeds UK averages by 52% and 49% respectively, highlighting areas where residents may need to enhance home and vehicle security. These shifts in crime mix underscore the need for tailored interventions, as the town balances its generally lower overall rate with specific rising concerns.

Hungerford’s crime rate in October 2024 (8.0 per 1,000) represents a 42.3% increase from September’s 5.7 per 1,000—a significant jump that, while notable, still places the town 1.2% below the UK average. This monthly comparison reveals a spike in reported crimes, with daily activity averaging 2 incidents per day. For residents, this translates to a roughly 1-in-124 chance of experiencing a crime over the course of the month—a figure that, while modest, underscores the importance of vigilance during periods of heightened activity. The population-scaled perspective shows that Hungerford’s crime profile, though generally safer than the UK average, has seen specific categories—like burglary and vehicle crime—rise sharply. This contrast with the UK’s broader trends highlights the town’s unique challenges, such as the 49% above-average rate for vehicle crime, which may be influenced by local infrastructure or parking patterns. While the overall rate remains relatively low, the month-on-month increase suggests a need for sustained monitoring, particularly in addressing the surge in property-related offences that exceed national benchmarks.