The question of whether there are noticeable trends in criminal damage incidents in Accrington is a valid one, particularly given the area's crime statistics. Based on available data, Accrington, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Hyndburn borough, exhibits a crime rate of 161.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably higher than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000. Accrington’s safety score is also comparatively low, registering at 64 out of 100, significantly below the UK average of 79.
Importantly, the data indicates a stable trend regarding criminal damage incidents. This means there has been a slight decrease year-on-year (YoY) of -1.4%. While this reduction is positive, it’s crucial to understand it within the broader context of Accrington's overall crime rate, which remains elevated. A -1.4% decrease suggests that while things haven’t worsened, the underlying problem of higher-than-average crime hasn’t been resolved.
It’s vital to remember that the crime rate is a statistical measure and doesn't reflect the lived experiences of every resident. Factors such as population density (Accrington has a population of 36,258) and socio-economic conditions can significantly influence crime rates. The relatively lower safety score suggests residents may perceive a lower level of safety compared to the national average, regardless of the YoY trend in criminal damage.
Further investigation beyond this single statistic would be required to determine the specific types of criminal damage occurring and to understand the reasons behind the higher crime rate in Accrington. This could include examining data on vandalism, arson, and other related offences. Understanding these nuances is key to developing effective crime prevention strategies.