The accuracy of crime data reported for Illogan, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Cornwall with a population of 1658, is a complex question. The data itself is derived from reports submitted to the police and recorded within the national crime recording system. Therefore, its accuracy is intrinsically linked to the willingness of residents to report incidents and the police’s ability to accurately record them.
Currently, Illogan has a crime rate of 44.0 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average, which stands at 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that, comparatively, Illogan experiences less crime than many other areas in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Illogan boasts a safety score of 88 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average safety score of 79. This high safety score further reinforces the impression of a relatively safe environment.
However, it's important to understand the limitations of this data. The reported crime rate only reflects crimes that are officially reported to the police. Many crimes go unreported due to various reasons, such as fear of reprisal, lack of faith in the police, or the belief that the crime is too minor to warrant reporting. Therefore, the reported crime rate may not fully represent the actual level of crime occurring in Illogan.
Additionally, changes in police recording practices or definitions of crime can artificially inflate or deflate crime figures. It's also worth noting that 'crime' encompasses a wide range of offences, from minor theft to serious violent crimes. The overall crime rate doesn't distinguish between these different categories, so a high rate could be influenced by a few serious incidents rather than a widespread increase in petty crime. Ultimately, the data provides a useful indicator but should be interpreted with caution and considered alongside other factors when assessing the safety of Illogan.