The rural nature of Huntingdonshire demonstrably influences its crime patterns, contributing to a generally safer environment compared to the national average. With a population of 190,619, Huntingdonshire exhibits a crime rate of 71.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the United Kingdom’s average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. This difference suggests that the characteristics of a rural area play a substantial role.
Several factors linked to rural environments typically contribute to lower crime rates. Lower population density means fewer opportunities for certain types of crime, particularly those requiring a large pool of potential victims or perpetrators. The strong sense of community often found in rural areas encourages social cohesion and informal surveillance, deterring criminal activity. Residents are more likely to know their neighbours and report suspicious behaviour, acting as an extra layer of security.
Furthermore, Huntingdonshire’s safety score is a respectable 84 out of 100, surpassing the UK average of 79. This high safety score reinforces the perception of Huntingdonshire as a safe place to live. While the specific types of crimes prevalent in Huntingdonshire aren't detailed in the data provided, it’s reasonable to assume they differ from those more common in urban areas – potentially involving more rural-specific crimes such as theft of agricultural equipment or poaching, rather than violent crime or burglaries common in densely populated areas.
It is important to note that a lower crime rate doesn’t equate to the absence of crime. While Huntingdonshire benefits from its rural nature, residents should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Community initiatives, such as neighbourhood watch schemes, can further strengthen the area’s safety and build upon the existing positive trends.