The question of whether it’s safe to walk around Hythe at night requires a nuanced look at available data. Hythe, within the Folkestone and Hythe Built-up Area (BUA), has a population of 13,407. Overall, the area presents a relatively favourable safety profile compared to the UK average, but the night-time safety score raises important considerations.
Hythe’s overall crime rate stands at 48.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK national average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a generally lower risk of crime compared to many other locations in the UK. Furthermore, Hythe's overall safety score is 88 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79. The violent crime rate is 21.6 per 1,000, which, while still a factor, is not exceptionally high.
However, the most concerning statistic is the night safety score, which is only 12 out of 100. This score specifically assesses perceptions of safety after dark and indicates that people may feel less secure when walking around Hythe at night. This discrepancy between the overall safety score and the night safety score suggests that while the area might be generally safe, there are specific concerns related to safety after sunset. It's crucial to remember that safety scores are based on perceptions and reported incidents, and individual experiences can vary.
Factors contributing to a lower night safety score can include poor lighting, reduced visibility, and a feeling of isolation. While no specific details regarding these factors are provided within the data, it is reasonable to assume they could influence perceptions of safety. Therefore, while the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, it's important to exercise caution and be mindful of your surroundings if walking around Hythe at night.