The question of why violence and sexual offences appear prevalent in Smalley is complex and requires careful consideration of available data. While the perception of high crime can be unsettling, a detailed look at the statistics provides a more nuanced understanding.
Smalley, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Amber Valley, has a population of 2,558. The area's crime rate currently stands at 58.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure, while seemingly high, is actually lower than the United Kingdom’s average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000. It’s important to note that this overall rate encompasses all types of crime, not just violent and sexual offences.
While the overall crime rate is below average, the perception of violence and sexual offences being prevalent likely stems from their visibility and the understandable concern they generate. It's crucial to acknowledge that the data does not provide insight into why these specific offences occur. Factors influencing crime rates are multifaceted and can include socioeconomic conditions, reporting practices, and community demographics, none of which are detailed in the available information.
Interestingly, Smalley’s safety score is 87 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. A higher safety score suggests that residents generally feel safe and secure in their community. This discrepancy between the crime rate and safety score highlights that statistics don't always paint the whole picture and that subjective feelings of safety play a significant role. It is possible that residents perceive the area as safe despite the crime statistics, or that the reporting of these specific crimes is more frequent than others.
Ultimately, understanding the situation in Smalley requires a balanced perspective – acknowledging the reported crime statistics while also recognising the area's relatively high safety score and the complex factors that contribute to crime rates.