The question of whether Cheddington is safe to walk around at night is a reasonable one, and the data provides a nuanced picture. Cheddington, a built-up area in Buckinghamshire with a population of 1662, presents a seemingly positive safety profile overall, but specific indicators require closer examination.
Overall, Cheddington’s safety score is 90 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79. This suggests a generally secure environment. However, the crucial detail lies within the night safety score, which is a concerning 15/100. This metric specifically assesses perceived safety after dark, and a score of 15 indicates a lower level of comfort and security compared to the UK average.
Considering crime rates, Cheddington reports a crime rate of 42.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting that the area experiences less crime overall. The violent crime rate is also relatively low, standing at 16.2 per 1,000 residents. While this is still a factor to consider, it is a lower rate than one might expect given the overall crime rate.
The discrepancy between the general safety score and the night safety score highlights that while Cheddington might be statistically safer than many areas in the UK, residents' perceptions of safety at night are lower. This could be due to various factors, such as limited street lighting, fewer people about, or a perceived increase in opportunistic crime after dark. It's important to remember that safety scores are based on a combination of reported crime and perceived safety, and these perceptions can be influenced by various factors beyond just the numbers.
Therefore, while Cheddington isn’t inherently dangerous, exercising caution when walking around at night is advisable. Being aware of your surroundings, sticking to well-lit routes, and walking with a companion are all sensible precautions.