The question of whether Rural Hartlepool is safe to walk around at night is complex and requires examining available data. While the area’s overall crime rate is notably lower than the UK average, the specific score relating to nighttime safety raises concerns.
Rural Hartlepool, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 4,854, exhibits a crime rate of 66.1 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Overall, the area has a safety score of 86/100, again exceeding the UK average of 79. However, the critical factor here is the 'Night Safety Score,' which is a concerning 10/100. This indicates a perceived lack of safety specifically during nighttime hours.
Breaking down the data further, the violent crime rate in Rural Hartlepool stands at 20.0 per 1,000, which is important context when considering the overall safety profile. While not excessively high, it contributes to the lower night safety score. It’s crucial to understand that a low night safety score doesn't necessarily reflect a high incidence of crime; it often represents perceptions of safety and vulnerability, influenced by factors like lighting, visibility, and the presence of people.
The stark contrast between the overall safety score and the night safety score suggests that while Rural Hartlepool might be generally considered safe during the day, walking alone at night presents a greater level of perceived risk. Factors contributing to this could include limited street lighting, fewer people on the streets, and potentially increased opportunities for opportunistic crime. It is important to note that this data represents a snapshot in time and does not account for specific incidents or local community initiatives that may impact safety.