The question of whether Urpeth is safe to walk around at night requires a nuanced look at the available data. Overall, Urpeth, a Built-Up Area in County Durham with a population of 1443, presents a relatively positive safety profile, but specific figures regarding nighttime safety are concerning.
Urpeth’s overall safety score is 94 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79. This suggests a generally secure environment. However, the crucial detail lies in the ‘Night Safety Score,’ which is a considerably lower 19 out of 100. This indicates that residents and visitors may feel less safe after dark.
The crime rate in Urpeth is recorded as 20.1 incidents per 1,000 people, which is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. The violent crime rate is even more encouraging, standing at 8.3 per 1,000, again, below the UK average. While these figures appear reassuring, the low night safety score suggests perceptions of safety differ significantly after dark. It’s important to note that safety scores are based on a combination of factors, including crime statistics, perceived safety, and environmental conditions like lighting and visibility.
The discrepancy between the overall safety score and the night safety score highlights that while Urpeth might have a lower crime rate, the experience of safety at night may not reflect this. Factors contributing to this could include reduced visibility, fewer people on the streets, and potentially, a heightened awareness of potential risks. Therefore, while statistically less prone to crime than many areas in the UK, exercising caution when walking alone at night in Urpeth is advised. Consider alternative routes, travel with companions, and remain aware of your surroundings.