The long-term crime trends in Sole Street, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Gravesham, have been demonstrably decreasing. As of the latest data, the crime rate stands at 49.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. However, the crucial aspect is the recent trend: crime has decreased by a substantial 41.1% year-on-year.
While the current crime rate is elevated compared to the national average, the significant drop in incidents over the past year is a positive indicator. This suggests that local initiatives or changes in policing strategies may be proving effective. The population of Sole Street is 1526, meaning the raw number of incidents, while not provided in the data, is relatively small, making the percentage change impactful.
It's important to understand that a high crime rate relative to the UK average doesn't necessarily equate to an unsafe environment. The safety score for Sole Street is 89 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. This suggests residents generally perceive the area as safe, despite the higher crime rate. This discrepancy might be due to the types of crimes reported, the visibility of police presence, or other factors influencing perceived safety.
Further investigation into the specific types of crimes contributing to the overall rate would provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation. However, the consistently decreasing trend provides reassurance and highlights the potential for continued improvement. The data clearly indicates a positive trajectory for safety and security in Sole Street. Continued monitoring of these trends and engagement with local authorities will be beneficial for maintaining this progress.