Determining precisely which areas of Durham city centre are ‘most prone’ to violent crime is challenging with the available data, as it only provides an overall crime rate for the Built-Up Area (BUA) of Durham in County Durham. However, the data does offer valuable context. The BUA, encompassing Durham city centre and surrounding areas, has a population of 62,733 and a crime rate of 98.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is slightly above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000.
It's important to note that the Safety Score for Durham is 79 out of 100, which aligns with the UK national average of 79. This suggests that while the crime rate is marginally higher, the perception of safety isn't drastically different from other areas of the country. The Safety Score is a composite metric, likely taking into account factors beyond just crime statistics, such as feelings of safety and environmental conditions.
Because the data is aggregated for the entire BUA, pinpointing specific hotspots within the city centre isn’t possible. The reported crime rate includes a range of offences, not solely violent crime. Further investigation would be needed to isolate violent crime incidents and map their locations.
While this data doesn’t reveal specific areas, it’s crucial to remain aware of your surroundings, especially during evening hours. Durham Constabulary provides resources and guidance on personal safety, and reporting any suspicious activity to them is always recommended. The slightly elevated crime rate compared to the national average means vigilance and proactive safety measures are advisable for all residents and visitors.