The question of how Ruardean’s crime rate compares to Welsh Bicknor is a valid one, and the data provides a clear answer. Ruardean, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Forest of Dean with a population of 1443, currently has a crime rate of 54.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the crime rate observed in Welsh Bicknor, which stands at 36.7 incidents per 1,000 residents.
To put these figures into context, the UK national average crime rate is 91.6 per 1,000 people. Therefore, while Ruardean’s crime rate is above the national average, Welsh Bicknor's is considerably below it. It is worth noting that Ruardean Woodside, a nearby area, demonstrates a much lower crime rate of 21.6 per 1,000, while Drybrook experiences a higher rate of 100.7 per 1,000. Mitcheldean’s crime rate sits at 78.5 per 1,000.
Interestingly, despite the higher crime rate, Ruardean boasts a safety score of 86 out of 100, which is considerably higher than the UK average of 79. This suggests that residents may perceive the area as relatively safe, or that the types of crimes occurring are less severe. It's important to remember that safety scores are based on a complex calculation and can be influenced by various factors beyond just crime statistics.
It’s crucial to consider that these figures represent reported crimes, and the actual number of incidents may be higher. Furthermore, crime rates can fluctuate over time, and these statistics reflect a snapshot in time. Comparing crime rates between areas should always be done with caution, taking into account factors such as population density, socioeconomic conditions, and reporting practices.