The question of whether Shotley Gate is safe to walk around at night requires a nuanced look at the available data. Shotley Gate, located within the Babergh district, has a population of 1643. Overall, the area demonstrates a relatively low crime rate of 26.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000, suggesting that Shotley Gate is, in general, a safer area than many others in the country. The overall safety score for Shotley Gate is also quite high, standing at 94 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79.
However, the key factor in assessing nighttime safety is the specific 'Night Safety Score', which for Shotley Gate is a concerning 18/100. This score highlights a discrepancy between the general safety of the area and the perceived safety at night. While the crime rate itself is low, the lower night safety score suggests that residents may feel less secure or that there are specific factors contributing to concerns about safety after dark. These factors could include limited street lighting, fewer people on the streets, or perceptions of increased risk.
It's important to remember that safety scores are based on a combination of reported crime data and perceived safety. The low night safety score doesn't necessarily indicate a surge in nighttime crime, but it does signal a need for caution. While the overall crime rate remains below the UK average, individual experiences can vary, and personal safety is paramount. We don’t have access to the specific types of crimes reported, so it's impossible to say if these are violent or petty crimes. Therefore, while Shotley Gate benefits from a low crime rate and high overall safety score, the lower night safety score warrants careful consideration and sensible precautions when walking alone at night.