The question of how safe Ottery St Mary is during the evening and night is a reasonable one, and the data provides a nuanced picture. Ottery St Mary, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in East Devon with a population of 6077, exhibits a crime rate of 45.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting that, generally, Ottery St Mary experiences less crime than the national picture. The area also boasts a safety score of 88/100, exceeding the UK average of 79, indicating a perception of safety amongst residents.
However, when looking specifically at nighttime safety, the picture shifts. Ottery St Mary’s night safety score is a low 12/100. This score reflects the perception of safety during the evening and nighttime hours, and it's considerably lower than the overall safety score. The violent crime rate is recorded as 24.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. While this figure isn't excessively high, the low night safety score warrants consideration. It’s important to remember that safety scores are based on perceived safety and can be influenced by factors beyond just reported crime incidents, such as lighting, visibility, and community presence.
The discrepancy between the overall safety score and the night safety score suggests that while Ottery St Mary might be generally considered a safe place, residents may feel less secure during the evening and night. It’s vital to interpret these statistics within context; a lower crime rate doesn’t guarantee complete safety, and a lower night safety score doesn't necessarily indicate widespread danger. Being mindful of your surroundings, avoiding poorly lit areas, and travelling with others during the evening and night are always sensible precautions.