The question of how Westhampnett's crime rate compares to Chichester is a common one, and the answer reveals some interesting contrasts within the Chichester district. Based on available data, Westhampnett, considered part of the Chichester Built-up Area (BUA), exhibits a crime rate of 167.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. Chichester itself has a crime rate of 151.4 per 1,000 residents. This indicates that, surprisingly, Westhampnett has a slightly higher crime rate than Chichester itself.
To put these figures into perspective, the United Kingdom's average crime rate is 91.6 per 1,000 people. Both Westhampnett and Chichester's rates are considerably above this national average. The population of Westhampnett is 1506, which means a relatively small number of incidents can significantly impact the per capita crime rate.
Furthermore, the safety score assigned to Westhampnett is 61 out of 100, considerably lower than the UK average of 79. This score reflects the perception of safety within the area and is correlated with the higher crime rate. Comparing Westhampnett to its neighbouring areas provides further context. Shopwyke boasts an exceptionally low crime rate of 0 per 1,000, while Tangmere has a rate of 51.1 per 1,000, and Mid Lavant registers at 31.2 per 1,000. These areas all demonstrate significantly lower crime rates compared to both Westhampnett and Chichester.
It’s important to remember that crime rates are just one aspect of community safety. Factors such as reporting rates, police visibility, and community engagement all play a crucial role. While the data suggests a higher crime rate in Westhampnett compared to Chichester, it doesn't necessarily imply a more dangerous environment. Residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.