The impact of a town's crime rate on families and children is a significant concern for many residents. In Alton (East Hampshire), the crime rate stands at 61.2 incidents per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment. Furthermore, Alton boasts a safety score of 84 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79.
While a lower crime rate is reassuring, it's important to understand what this means for families. Lower crime rates can contribute to a sense of security and well-being, allowing children to play and explore with greater freedom. Parents may feel less anxious about their children's safety, and families are more likely to engage in community activities. The safety score, reflecting residents' perceptions of safety, further reinforces this positive outlook for Alton.
It's crucial to remember that crime statistics represent reported incidents and don't necessarily reflect the full picture of safety. They also don’t detail the types of crime occurring. However, the data available indicates that Alton's overall crime rate is comparatively low. This doesn't mean crime doesn't occur, but it does suggest that families and children are less likely to be directly affected by criminal activity than in many other parts of the UK. The population of Alton (BUA) is 19,178, so these figures provide a context for the local safety landscape. Continued vigilance and community engagement remain vital to maintaining this relatively low crime environment.