The question of whether Weston (Dorset) is safe to walk around at night is a valid concern, and the data provides some insight. Weston, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of approximately 5300, has a crime rate of 82.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating that, statistically, Weston experiences less crime than many other areas in the country. The overall safety score for Weston is 82/100, again, above the UK average of 79, suggesting a generally safe environment.
However, a crucial factor to consider is the 'Night Safety Score,' which is only 6/100. This significantly lower score indicates that residents and visitors may feel less safe walking alone at night. The violent crime rate in Weston is 30.4 per 1,000, which while not drastically high, reinforces the need for caution after dark. It's important to remember that these are statistical averages; individual experiences can vary greatly.
What does this mean in practice? While Weston may have a lower overall crime rate, the low night safety score suggests that perceptions of safety, or perhaps actual incidents, are lower during nighttime hours. Factors contributing to this could include reduced visibility, fewer people on the streets, or a change in the types of crimes occurring. It's vital to consider the context of these numbers – they don’t provide specifics about the nature of crimes, just their frequency. Therefore, while Weston isn’t inherently dangerous, exercising caution and being aware of your surroundings is always recommended, particularly when walking alone at night.