The question of how Heighington’s crime rate compares to other villages near Darlington is a valid one, and the data paints a clear picture: Heighington is considerably safer than its surrounding areas. As of the data available, Heighington, a built-up area (BUA) with a population of 1546, exhibits a crime rate of 31.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Furthermore, Heighington’s safety score stands at an impressive 92 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79.
Let's examine the crime rates of the nearby villages to provide context. School Aycliffe reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, representing an exceptionally low level. Newton Aycliffe’s crime rate is 121.0 per 1,000, which is higher than Heighington but still within a reasonable range. However, Shildon’s crime rate is markedly higher at 177.4 per 1,000. The area of Eldon Lane and Coundon Grange demonstrates the highest crime rate of the comparison group, recording 225.5 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This data clearly indicates that Heighington's crime rate is substantially below that of many of its neighbours. While School Aycliffe’s rate is exceptionally low, the difference between Heighington’s rate and those of Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, and Eldon Lane and Coundon Grange is quite significant. It’s important to remember that crime rates are complex and influenced by numerous factors, including population density, socio-economic conditions, and local policing strategies. However, based solely on the available data, Heighington appears to be a relatively safe place to live compared to the other villages listed.