The question of why violent crime appears prevalent in St Mary's Bay, a BUA (Built-Up Area) within Folkestone and Hythe, requires a data-driven examination. While it’s important to note that 'prevalent' is a subjective term, the available data does reveal a higher crime rate than the national average. Specifically, St Mary's Bay has a crime rate of 51.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This contrasts with the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This means that, proportionally, St Mary's Bay experiences a higher level of reported crime compared to the country as a whole.
However, it's crucial to consider the context. St Mary's Bay has a population of 2550, which is a relatively small area. Small population sizes can often lead to disproportionately high crime rates when incidents occur, as the rate is calculated per 1,000 people. A single incident can significantly impact the rate.
Interestingly, despite the elevated crime rate, St Mary's Bay boasts a safety score of 86 out of 100. This is significantly higher than the UK average safety score of 79. This suggests that residents perceive the area as relatively safe, despite the higher crime rate. This discrepancy might be due to factors not captured in the crime statistics, such as the nature of the crimes committed, the level of community cohesion, or the effectiveness of local policing. The safety score is a valuable indicator of resident sentiment and perceived security.
It's also important to remember that crime statistics are based on reported incidents. Underreporting can skew the data, and the true level of crime may be higher or lower than what is officially recorded. Further investigation would be needed to understand the specific types of violent crime occurring and the underlying causes contributing to the elevated rate. Understanding the specifics of these incidents is key to developing effective preventative strategies.