The question of whether Bottisham is safe to walk around at night requires a nuanced understanding of the available data. Bottisham, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in East Cambridgeshire with a population of 1621, presents a mixed picture. Overall, its safety score of 89/100 is significantly higher than the UK average of 79, suggesting a generally safe environment. However, the crucial detail regarding nighttime safety reveals a more complex situation.
The crime rate in Bottisham stands at 53.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, which initially appears reassuring. Furthermore, the violent crime rate is 16.7 per 1,000, again lower than the national average, but still a factor to consider. However, the 'Night Safety Score' is a concerning 14/100. This score reflects perceptions of safety specifically during nighttime hours and is far below the UK average.
It's important to understand that safety scores are based on a combination of reported crime statistics and perceived safety levels, which can be subjective. The significant disparity between the overall safety score and the night safety score suggests that while Bottisham may not experience a high volume of crime, residents and visitors may feel less safe walking around after dark. Factors contributing to this perception could include a lack of street lighting, fewer people on the streets, or concerns about potential incidents.
Therefore, while the overall crime statistics are favourable compared to the national average, the low night safety score indicates that caution should be exercised when walking around Bottisham at night. It is advisable to be particularly vigilant, stick to well-lit routes, and ideally travel with others. Being aware of your surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity to the police is always recommended.