The question of whether Ledbury is safe to walk around at night requires a nuanced understanding of available data. Ledbury, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Herefordshire with a population of 9409, presents a mixed picture when considering nighttime safety. The overall crime rate for Ledbury is 59.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that, generally, Ledbury experiences less crime than many other areas in the UK. The overall safety score for Ledbury is 86/100, again exceeding the UK average of 79, further reinforcing a perception of relative safety.
However, a crucial indicator is the ‘Night Safety Score’, which is considerably lower at 9/100. This score specifically reflects residents’ feelings of safety when walking alone at night, and a score of 9/100 is a cause for concern. While the violent crime rate stands at 23.8 per 1,000, which is lower than the overall crime rate, the low night safety score implies that even relatively minor incidents can contribute to a feeling of unease. It's important to note that these scores are based on perceptions and reported incidents, and don't necessarily equate to a high prevalence of violent attacks.
It's also vital to remember that crime statistics represent overall trends and don't reflect the safety of every street or area within Ledbury. Certain areas may feel safer or less safe than others. Therefore, while Ledbury’s overall safety metrics are favourable, the significantly lower night safety score warrants caution. If you must walk alone at night, choose well-lit routes, be mindful of your surroundings, and consider informing someone of your route and expected arrival time. The police encourage reporting any suspicious activity, which helps to maintain a secure environment for everyone.