The question of whether Charmouth’s crime statistics are typical for a rural area can be answered with a resounding ‘no’. Based on available data, Charmouth presents a picture of relative safety compared to the national average. The village, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 1709, exhibits a crime rate of 31.0 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000.
This disparity is further highlighted by Charmouth’s safety score of 92 out of 100, substantially exceeding the UK average safety score of 79. A safety score of 92 indicates a relatively low level of crime and a perception of safety amongst residents.
Understanding what constitutes a 'typical' crime rate for a rural area is complex. Rural areas often experience different types of crime compared to urban centres. While urban areas might see higher rates of theft and violent crime, rural areas can be vulnerable to issues like rural crime, poaching, and burglaries targeting isolated properties. However, Charmouth's statistics demonstrate a low crime rate across the board, irrespective of specific crime types.
It's important to remember that crime statistics are only one aspect of community safety. Factors such as community cohesion, policing presence, and the availability of local services also contribute to a feeling of safety. While Charmouth's data is encouraging, ongoing vigilance and community engagement remain vital to sustaining this positive trend. Further investigation into the specific types of crime recorded would provide a more granular understanding of the village’s safety profile, but the overall picture presented by these figures is extremely positive.