The impact of rising crime rates on St Neots, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Huntingdonshire, is a concern for many residents. While the term 'rising crime rates' suggests a concerning trend, it's important to examine the data objectively. St Neots currently has a crime rate of 74.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This difference suggests that, comparatively, St Neots experiences fewer crimes than many other areas within the United Kingdom. However, 'impact' goes beyond simply the number of incidents. The safety score for St Neots stands at 83 out of 100, which is higher than the UK average of 79. A higher safety score indicates a greater perceived sense of safety amongst residents and suggests a generally more secure environment.
It's vital to acknowledge that the 'rising' aspect of the question implies a change over time. Without data showing crime rate trends over specific periods, it's impossible to definitively state if crime rates are truly rising in St Neots. While the current rate is lower than the national average, local concerns may stem from changes in the types of crimes occurring, perceived increases in specific crimes, or anxieties based on anecdotal experiences. It’s important to distinguish between actual increases in reported crime and the perception of increased crime.
Further investigation would require a detailed breakdown of crime types within St Neots, along with historical data to identify any patterns or trends. Understanding which types of crime are occurring and how they have changed can provide a more accurate assessment of the impact on the community and inform targeted preventative measures. The population of St Neots is 35008, which provides context for the overall crime rate figures.