The question of whether Lowestoft is safe at night is complex and requires a nuanced understanding of available data. Overall, Lowestoft, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in East Suffolk with a population of 70,875, presents a crime rate of 83.8 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. However, a crucial element to consider is the Night Safety Score, which is notably low at just 4/100, significantly below the UK average of 79/100.
This stark contrast between the overall crime rate and the night safety score suggests that while the volume of crime might be marginally lower than elsewhere in the UK, residents’ perceived safety and experiences during the nighttime hours are considerably diminished. It's important to remember that safety scores are often influenced by factors beyond simply the number of reported crimes, including feelings of security, visibility of police presence, and the prevalence of anti-social behaviour. The low night safety score implies that these factors are negatively impacting residents' sense of security.
While the overall safety score for Lowestoft is 79/100, aligning with the UK average, the specific score for night safety highlights a potential area of concern. The discrepancy between the crime rate and the night safety score warrants further investigation into the specific types of incidents occurring at night and the reasons behind the low safety perception. It is important to remember that statistics represent trends and individual experiences may vary. Therefore, while the overall crime rate is slightly below average, exercising caution and being aware of your surroundings during nighttime hours in Lowestoft is advisable.