Chilton, a built-up area (BUA) in County Durham with a population of 6287, currently has a crime rate of 115.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is higher than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000. To properly assess Chilton’s safety, it’s important to compare it to nearby areas and consider the broader context of crime statistics.
Looking at neighbouring villages, Chilton’s crime rate is notably higher than Kirk Merrington, which boasts a remarkably low rate of 0.0 per 1,000. Ferryhill, another nearby village, exhibits a crime rate of 140.8 per 1,000, exceeding Chilton's rate significantly. Coundon and Leeholme have a crime rate of 122.5 per 1,000, also above Chilton's. Newton Aycliffe's crime rate stands at 121.0 per 1,000, again demonstrating a higher rate than Chilton.
Beyond the raw crime rate, Chilton's safety score is 74 out of 100, which is below the UK average of 79. This safety score offers a more nuanced view, likely factoring in elements beyond simply reported crimes, such as perceptions of safety and the presence of preventative measures. It's important to remember that crime rates can fluctuate and are influenced by various factors, including population density, socioeconomic conditions, and policing strategies.
While Chilton’s crime rate is elevated compared to the UK average and some surrounding villages, it's vital to avoid drawing sweeping conclusions. These numbers represent incidents reported within a specific timeframe and do not necessarily reflect the day-to-day lived experience of residents. Further investigation into the types of crimes reported and any specific trends would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.