Ruardean's crime rate is demonstrably lower than that of Mitcheldean. Based on available data, Ruardean, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in the Forest of Dean with a population of 1443, exhibits a crime rate of 54.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. In contrast, Mitcheldean has a crime rate of 78.5 per 1,000 residents. This means Ruardean experiences a significantly lower level of reported crime relative to its population.
To put this in perspective, the United Kingdom’s average crime rate is 91.6 per 1,000. Therefore, both Ruardean and Mitcheldean have crime rates below the national average, but Ruardean's is considerably more favourable. It's also worth noting that Ruardean Woodside, a nearby area, has a crime rate of 21.6 per 1,000, highlighting a range of crime levels within the surrounding region. Drybrook, another nearby area, has a higher crime rate at 100.7 per 1,000, demonstrating that local variations exist.
Beyond crime rate, Ruardean’s safety score is 86 out of 100, significantly above the UK average of 79. This suggests a perception of greater safety amongst residents, which may be influenced by factors beyond just reported crime statistics, such as community cohesion, visible policing, and overall environmental conditions. While a higher safety score is encouraging, it's important to remember that these scores are based on various data points and resident perceptions.
Comparing these areas solely on crime statistics offers a snapshot, but doesn’t paint the entire picture. Factors like the types of crime committed, the effectiveness of local law enforcement, and the demographics of the population all play a role. It’s advisable to consider these figures alongside other local information and personal experiences when assessing safety.