The question of what contributes to the high rate of violence and sexual offences in Kingstone is complex, and requires careful consideration of available data. While Kingstone, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Herefordshire, has a population of 1678, its crime rate stands at 70.9 per 1,000 residents. This is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. It's important to note, however, that Kingstone's safety score is 81/100, which is slightly above the UK average of 79, suggesting an overall sense of safety despite the elevated crime rate in specific categories.
Several factors can contribute to localised crime rates, and without further detailed data regarding the nature of these crimes in Kingstone, it’s difficult to pinpoint specific causes. Small population sizes can also skew crime rates – a relatively small number of incidents can significantly impact the per capita rate. For instance, a single incident could substantially raise the rate for a community of only 1678 people.
Furthermore, the reporting rates of crime can vary, impacting the statistics. Increased awareness campaigns or improved police responsiveness could lead to more crimes being reported, artificially inflating the apparent rate. It's also crucial to consider the types of violence and sexual offences being recorded. Are they primarily domestic incidents, stranger attacks, or something else? The nature of the offences would provide valuable insight.
Finally, socioeconomic factors, although not provided in the available data, often play a role in crime rates across the country. Issues such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity can contribute to increased crime. While Kingstone’s specific socioeconomic profile is unknown, it’s a potential area for further investigation. The higher than average safety score suggests the community may be actively working to mitigate some of these issues.