Understanding the potential causes of violence and sexual offences in Tangmere, a BUA located in Chichester, requires careful consideration of available data. While Tangmere benefits from a relatively high safety score of 88 out of 100 – exceeding the UK average of 79 – its crime rate of 51.1 incidents per 1,000 residents is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6. This suggests that while Tangmere is generally a safe area, certain underlying factors may contribute to the occurrence of violent and sexual offences.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that a lower crime rate than the national average doesn’t equate to a complete absence of risk. Several factors, often interconnected, can contribute to these types of offences. These aren’t specific to Tangmere but are common drivers of crime nationally and locally. Firstly, population density plays a role. Although Tangmere has a population of 3388, concentrated areas within the BUA might experience higher localised crime rates. Secondly, socioeconomic factors, such as unemployment or poverty, can, in some instances, correlate with increased crime. However, without more specific socioeconomic data for Tangmere itself, it's difficult to draw a direct correlation. Thirdly, the prevalence of alcohol or drug misuse within the community can be a contributing factor to violent incidents.
Furthermore, the perceived safety of an area can influence behaviour. While Tangmere's safety score suggests residents feel relatively safe, this perception can be influenced by media coverage or anecdotal experiences. Finally, reporting rates also impact crime statistics; a higher reporting rate doesn’t necessarily indicate more crime but a greater willingness to report incidents. It is important to note that these are potential contributing factors and do not definitively explain the specific incidents occurring in Tangmere. More granular data, such as the types of crimes committed and demographic breakdowns of offenders and victims, would be necessary for a more detailed analysis.