The recent increase in crime within Guilden Sutton, Cheshire West and Chester, is understandably a cause for concern. The data indicates a concerning trend: a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 22.2% in reported crime. To understand this rise, it's important to consider several potential factors, although without further detailed data, definitive causes remain speculative.
Firstly, Guilden Sutton is a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 1471. While this isn't a large population, even small increases in population density can impact crime rates. Increased population can, in some instances, correlate with increased opportunity for crime. It’s crucial to remember that correlation doesn’t equal causation, but it’s a factor to consider.
Comparing Guilden Sutton to the UK average is also illuminating. The UK average crime rate stands at 91.6 per 1,000 people. Guilden Sutton's current rate of 15.0 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the national average. However, the recent 22.2% increase signifies a worrying shift. It's important to note that a lower base rate can mean that even relatively small increases translate to proportionally larger percentage rises.
Furthermore, Guilden Sutton's safety score of 96/100 is notably high compared to the UK average of 79. This suggests that, overall, the area is considered quite safe. The recent crime increase represents a deviation from this established pattern and warrants investigation. Possible contributing factors could include changes in local demographics, economic shifts affecting residents, or a temporary increase in opportunistic crime. It is also possible that changes in reporting practices or police recording methods could influence the reported crime rate, though this is less likely to account for a 22.2% increase. Without more granular data regarding the types of crime being reported, it’s difficult to pinpoint precise drivers. Local authorities and the police are likely to be investigating these trends and analysing the specific types of crimes contributing to the rise.