The question of whether the Rural Forest of Dean is safe to walk around at night is complex, and the data presents a mixed picture. The overall crime rate within the Rural Forest of Dean, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 16,137, is 48.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. Furthermore, the area boasts a general safety score of 88 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79.
However, a crucial detail emerges when examining the specific aspect of nighttime safety. The 'Night Safety Score' for the Rural Forest of Dean is only 13 out of 100. This starkly contrasts with the overall safety score and suggests that walking around at night presents a heightened level of perceived risk. The violent crime rate is also a factor, standing at 19.5 per 1,000 residents. While not excessively high, it contributes to the overall safety profile.
It's important to understand that safety scores are subjective and based on perceptions as well as recorded incidents. A low night safety score might reflect concerns about visibility, isolation, or the presence of wildlife, in addition to actual crime rates. The data doesn't specify the types of crimes recorded, so it’s difficult to assess the precise nature of the risk.
Therefore, while the Rural Forest of Dean benefits from a comparatively low overall crime rate and a good general safety score, the low night safety score warrants caution. Individuals planning to walk in the area after dark should be particularly vigilant and take appropriate precautions.