The question of why violence and sexual offences might seem prevalent in Bosham, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Chichester, is understandable given the figures. While Bosham’s overall crime rate stands at 41.3 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, the specific types of crime reported are contributing to this perception. It’s important to interpret this data within the context of the area’s population of 3007.
It's crucial to understand that a lower overall crime rate doesn't automatically equate to complete safety. The focus here is on the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, which, while potentially representing a smaller proportion of the total crimes, can understandably cause significant concern within the community. The perception of prevalence may also be influenced by media coverage or local discussions, which can amplify anxieties.
The safety score of 90/100 for Bosham suggests a relatively safe environment compared to the UK average of 79. This score likely incorporates factors beyond just crime statistics, such as perceptions of safety, community cohesion, and the presence of visible policing. However, the specific data related to violence and sexual offences warrants further consideration.
It is important to note that crime statistics are often influenced by reporting rates. Increased reporting, driven by improved awareness or community outreach, can artificially inflate the recorded crime rate, even if the underlying level of criminal activity hasn't changed substantially. Without further data detailing trends over time (e.g., comparing crime rates to previous years), it's difficult to determine whether the current figures represent a recent increase or a continuation of existing patterns. Finally, the relatively small population size of Bosham means that even a small number of incidents can have a disproportionate impact on the crime rate per 1,000 residents.