The question of whether Downderry is safe to walk around at night requires a nuanced consideration of available data. While Downderry, a BUA (Built-Up Area) in Cornwall with a population of 2189, generally presents as a relatively safe location, the specific data concerning nighttime safety raises some concerns.
Overall, Downderry’s crime rate stands at 48.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally lower prevalence of crime compared to the national picture. The area’s overall safety score is 89 out of 100, again surpassing the UK average of 79, indicating a perception of safety among residents. The violent crime rate is also comparatively low at 18.3 per 1,000, lower than the national average.
However, the critical factor when assessing nighttime safety is the 'Night Safety Score,' which for Downderry is a concerning 15 out of 100. This score represents residents' perceptions and experiences of safety during evening hours and is considerably lower than the UK average. This discrepancy between the overall safety score and the night safety score suggests that while Downderry may be relatively safe during the day, feelings of safety diminish significantly at night.
It's important to remember that safety scores are subjective and based on perceptions. While the overall crime rate is lower, the low night safety score could be influenced by factors such as limited street lighting, fewer people on the streets, or specific local concerns that are not fully captured by the crime statistics. Without further qualitative data, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons for this low score.
Therefore, while Downderry isn't inherently ‘unsafe,’ exercising caution when walking around at night is advisable. Sticking to well-lit, populated areas, letting someone know your route and expected arrival time, and being aware of your surroundings are all sensible precautions. The data suggests that while the risk of crime may be lower than elsewhere, the perception of safety, and therefore the comfort level for nighttime walks, is demonstrably less.