Anti-social behaviour, encompassing a range of disruptive and often intimidating actions, can significantly detract from the quality of life for residents of any area. In Buxton (Broadland), a village within the Broadland district, understanding the impact of this behaviour requires examining the available data.
While Buxton (Broadland) exhibits a crime rate of 87.0 per 1,000 residents, this is slightly below the UK average of 91.6. This suggests a generally lower level of overall crime compared to the national picture. However, the safety score for Buxton (Broadland) is 76/100, which is also a little below the UK average of 79. It is important to note that the safety score incorporates perceptions of safety, which can be influenced by incidents of anti-social behaviour even if they don't result in more serious crimes.
Anti-social behaviour isn’t always captured in traditional crime statistics. It can include noise disturbances, vandalism, public intoxication, loitering, and intimidation, all of which contribute to a feeling of unease and insecurity. Even if these actions don't lead to arrests, they can disrupt daily life, damage property, and create a climate of fear. The population of Buxton (Broadland) is 1517, meaning even a relatively small number of anti-social behaviour incidents can have a disproportionate effect on the community's overall sense of wellbeing.
It’s crucial to differentiate between the overall crime rate and the prevalence of anti-social behaviour. A lower crime rate doesn't automatically guarantee a high quality of life if anti-social behaviour is a significant problem. Local authorities and community groups often work together to address anti-social behaviour through initiatives like increased patrols, community safety schemes, and youth engagement programs. Reporting instances of anti-social behaviour to the appropriate authorities is vital for them to understand the extent of the problem and allocate resources effectively. It's also worth noting that perceived safety, a component of the safety score, can be strongly influenced by anti-social behaviour even if it doesn't escalate to more serious crimes.