Dorchester, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Dorset, exhibits a crime rate significantly below the UK average. The crime rate in Dorchester stands at 72.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This contrasts sharply with the UK national average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This means that, statistically, you are less likely to experience crime in Dorchester compared to many other areas of the United Kingdom.
To put this in perspective, several nearby areas demonstrate vastly different crime profiles. Charminster has a crime rate of 25.1 per 1,000, representing a considerable difference. Remarkably, Stinsford, Lower Bockhampton and Kingston Maurward, and Charlton Down all record a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, highlighting the variable nature of crime rates across even small geographical areas. Winterborne St Martin reports a crime rate of 40.6 per 1,000, again illustrating the localised differences.
Beyond the raw crime rate, Dorchester also boasts a safety score of 84 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. A safety score considers factors beyond just reported crimes, potentially including perceptions of safety and community resilience. This higher safety score suggests that residents generally feel safer in Dorchester than the average UK resident. The population of Dorchester is 22,898, and while this data doesn’t specify the types of crime occurring, the overall lower rate and higher safety score paint a positive picture of the area’s safety profile.
It's important to remember that crime statistics are just one aspect of community safety. Factors such as social cohesion, effective policing, and community engagement also play crucial roles. While Dorchester’s figures are encouraging, ongoing efforts to maintain and improve safety are vital.