Ripley, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Amber Valley, Derbyshire, has a safety score of 69/100, which is lower than the United Kingdom’s average safety score of 79/100. This score reflects a perceived level of safety based on crime data and other factors, but it’s important to understand what this means in practice. With a population of 18,255, Ripley's crime rate currently stands at 128.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. For comparison, the UK average is 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This indicates a higher crime rate than the national average.
Breaking this down further, Ripley's violent crime rate is 55.1 per 1,000 residents. While a violent crime rate is concerning, it is important to remember that this is a statistical measure and does not represent the lived experience of every resident. Safety scores are calculated using a combination of factors, and a lower score doesn’t automatically mean Ripley is an unsafe place to live. It suggests that residents may perceive a lower level of safety, or that the area experiences more crime than the average.
It's crucial to remember that these figures are based on reported crimes. They don't account for unreported incidents, which can impact the overall picture. Comparing Ripley to other similar areas in Derbyshire would require access to detailed data for those locations, which is not currently available. However, understanding Ripley’s crime statistics relative to the UK average provides a starting point for assessing safety. The specific types of crimes occurring in Ripley would also provide further context; for example, a high incidence of petty theft would be different from a high incidence of serious violent crime.
Ultimately, personal safety is about more than just statistics. It involves awareness of your surroundings, taking sensible precautions, and knowing how to report concerns to the authorities. While Ripley's safety score is below average, it's important to look beyond the number and consider the broader context of the area.