The question of how prevalent the possession of weapons is in Rural Epping Forest is a complex one, and directly quantifying weapon possession is challenging. However, we can assess the overall crime rate and safety score to infer a picture of the situation. Rural Epping Forest, defined as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the wider Epping Forest district, has a population of 19,601.
Crucially, the crime rate in Rural Epping Forest stands at 82.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. While this doesn’t directly indicate the frequency of weapon-related crimes, it suggests a generally lower level of criminal activity compared to the national picture. It's important to note that 'incidents' encompass a wide range of offences, and further data would be required to isolate weapon-related crimes specifically.
Furthermore, Rural Epping Forest boasts a safety score of 80 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79. A higher safety score suggests residents generally feel safe and secure in their community. While this is a subjective measure, it provides a valuable supplementary perspective.
It's important to remember that these figures represent overall crime rates and safety perceptions. They don't offer a precise breakdown of weapon possession incidents. However, the comparatively lower crime rate and higher safety score suggest that the prevalence of weapon possession, and subsequent weapon-related crime, is likely to be lower than in areas with higher crime rates and lower safety scores. Reporting any suspicious behaviour or potential illegal activity to the police remains crucial to maintaining safety in Rural Epping Forest.