The question of whether it’s safe to walk around Puddletown at night requires a nuanced look at available data. While the overall crime rate in Puddletown, Dorset, is considerably lower than the UK average, certain indicators suggest caution should be exercised.
Puddletown is a built-up area (BUA) with a population of 2595 people. The overall crime rate stands at 25.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to a UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This indicates that Puddletown experiences significantly less crime overall. However, a crucial element to consider is the specific 'Night Safety Score', which is a concerning 19 out of 100, significantly below the UK average of 79. This score suggests that residents and visitors may feel less safe walking around Puddletown after dark.
Furthermore, the violent crime rate in Puddletown is 11.2 per 1,000 people. While this is still lower than the UK average, the combination of a low night safety score and the presence of violent crime warrants careful consideration. It’s important to note that a low night safety score doesn’t necessarily equate to a high incidence of crime, but rather reflects perceptions of safety and potential vulnerabilities during nighttime hours.
It's vital to remember that safety scores are based on a combination of reported crime, perceived safety, and other factors. While Puddletown’s overall safety score is relatively high at 94 out of 100 (compared to the UK average of 79), the specific night safety score is a key area of concern. This suggests that while Puddletown may be generally safe, the experience of walking around at night may not reflect that overall safety.