Darlington's crime rate, as of the available data, is 120.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is higher than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000. To put this into perspective, it means Darlington experiences a noticeably higher level of reported crime compared to the national average.
It's important to understand what this figure represents. Crime rates are complex and can be influenced by factors such as population density, socio-economic conditions, and reporting practices. While a higher crime rate doesn’t necessarily mean Darlington is inherently unsafe, it does indicate a greater frequency of reported incidents.
Alongside the crime rate, Darlington's safety score is 74 out of 100. The UK average safety score is 79. This score provides a broader assessment of safety, likely incorporating perceptions of safety, fear of crime, and other contributing factors. The discrepancy between the crime rate and the safety score suggests that residents might perceive the level of safety differently than the raw crime statistics alone might indicate. This could be due to factors such as effective policing strategies, community initiatives, or varying perceptions of risk.
With a population of 112,489, Darlington's crime rate suggests approximately 135 incidents per 1,000 people, which is significantly above the UK average. It’s crucial to remember that these are statistical averages and can mask variations within different areas of Darlington. Some neighbourhoods may experience higher crime rates than others. Accessing more granular data, if available from local police or council sources, would provide a more detailed understanding of crime distribution within the town.