The question of whether Hastings is safe for university students is a valid one, and requires a careful look at the available data. Hastings, designated as a Local Authority District (LAD), has a population of 91,219. The crime rate in Hastings stands at 128.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a greater prevalence of crime compared to many other areas in the country.
To gain a more nuanced understanding, it’s important to consider the Safety Score, which is a measure of perceived safety and security. Hastings' Safety Score is 71/100, considerably lower than the UK average of 79/100. This indicates that residents generally feel less safe in Hastings than the average for the UK.
Breaking down the crime statistics further, the violent crime rate in Hastings is 47.7 incidents per 1,000 people. While this is a concerning figure, it's crucial to understand what constitutes 'violent crime' – it encompasses a range of offences, from minor assaults to more serious crimes.
It's important to remember that crime statistics alone don’t paint the full picture. Factors such as reporting rates, the types of crimes occurring, and the specific areas within Hastings where crime is concentrated all contribute to the overall safety profile. While the data suggests a higher crime rate than the UK average, it’s advisable for students to be particularly vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Consider researching specific neighbourhoods within Hastings and speaking with current students to get a more localised view of safety concerns and experiences.