The high number of violence and sexual offences does have a demonstrable impact on the perceived and actual safety of Wisbech. Data reveals that Wisbech, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Fenland, has a crime rate of 136.9 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000. Consequently, Wisbech's safety score is 68 out of 100, considerably lower than the UK average of 79.
This disparity suggests residents may experience a heightened sense of insecurity and vulnerability. A higher crime rate, particularly involving violence and sexual offences, can erode trust in the community and lead to increased fear of crime. The impact isn't solely about the numbers; it's about the feeling of safety individuals experience in their daily lives. While the population of Wisbech (BUA) is 25,334, the elevated crime rate relative to the national average means a greater proportion of the population is potentially at risk.
It’s important to note that crime statistics alone don't paint the entire picture. Factors such as reporting rates, socioeconomic conditions, and the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies can all influence these figures. However, the data clearly indicates that Wisbech faces a challenge in maintaining the same level of safety as other areas within the UK. Addressing this requires a multi-faceted approach involving community engagement, targeted policing, and potentially addressing underlying social issues that may contribute to crime.