The question of whether West Hill is safe to walk around at night requires a nuanced assessment. Overall, West Hill (East Devon) presents a relatively favourable safety profile compared to the UK average. The area, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 1708, has a crime rate of 31.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This contributes to a general safety score of 90/100, which is also above the UK average of 79.
However, the critical factor regarding nighttime safety reveals a less reassuring picture. West Hill’s night safety score is only 15/100, a stark contrast to its overall safety score. This indicates that perceived safety decreases considerably after dark. The violent crime rate stands at 21.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which, while not excessively high, contributes to this lower night safety score.
It’s important to understand that safety scores are derived from reported crime data and perceived safety. A low night safety score suggests that residents and visitors may feel less secure walking around after sunset. This could be due to factors such as reduced visibility, fewer people on the streets, or a perceived increase in opportunistic crime.
While the overall crime rate is lower than average, the lower night safety score necessitates a degree of caution. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, stick to well-lit and populated routes, and avoid secluded areas when walking at night. Considering the available data from the period analysed, taking preventative measures is always sensible.