Startforth’s crime rate is notably higher than both the national average and several nearby villages. According to available data, Startforth’s crime rate stands at 118.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure significantly exceeds the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. For context, the population of Startforth is 2584.
Comparing Startforth to its immediate neighbours reveals even more variation. Barnard Castle, another village in County Durham, reports a crime rate of 67.8 per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than Startforth's. Similarly, Cotherstone and Staindrop have crime rates of 46.8 and 56.8 per 1,000 residents respectively, both substantially below Startforth. Notably, Mickleton (County Durham) reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 residents, demonstrating a remarkably low level of reported crime.
The safety score provides another perspective. Startforth has a safety score of 71 out of 100, while the UK average is 79. This suggests that, relative to the rest of the country, Startforth is perceived as slightly less safe. It’s important to remember that safety scores are subjective and based on a combination of factors, including perceived risk and reported crime rates.
It is crucial to remember that crime rates are just one aspect of community safety and do not always reflect the lived experience of residents. Factors such as the types of crimes reported, the effectiveness of local policing, and the strength of community bonds all play a role in creating a safe environment. Further investigation into the specific types of crimes occurring in Startforth and the local initiatives in place to address them would provide a more complete understanding of the area’s safety profile.