Leominster’s crime rate, when compared to other rural areas, presents a somewhat elevated picture. The data reveals a crime rate of 113.6 incidents per 1,000 residents in the Leominster Built-Up Area (BUA), exceeding the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. This means Leominster experiences a higher incidence of reported crimes relative to its population of 11,924.
To provide context, it’s important to note the stark contrast with several nearby villages. Stoke Prior, Luston, Kingsland, and Yarpole all report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 residents. This significant difference highlights that while Leominster isn’t inherently dangerous, its crime rate is notably higher than some of the immediately surrounding rural communities.
The safety score for Leominster is 73/100, which is below the UK average of 79/100. A lower safety score indicates a perceived lower level of safety within the area. It’s important to remember that safety scores are often based on a combination of reported crime, perceptions of safety, and other factors, and can be influenced by various community characteristics.
It’s crucial to consider what constitutes a ‘rural area’ when comparing crime rates. Larger towns, even if considered rural, are likely to have higher crime rates than smaller villages. The specific types of crimes reported in Leominster would also provide further insight into the nature of the concerns. While the overall figures indicate a higher rate, understanding the specific crimes involved (e.g., theft, vandalism, violent crime) would offer a more nuanced perspective. The available data doesn’t specify the types of crime, but the comparison with areas reporting zero crime suggests potential factors contributing to Leominster's rate, such as population density, commercial activity, or transport links, which are often absent in very small villages.