The question of whether Accrington town centre is safe on weekend nights is understandable, given crime statistics. Accrington, located within the BUA of Hyndburn, has a population of 36,258. Examining the available data provides some insight.
Currently, Accrington’s overall crime rate stands at 161.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. A safety score of 64/100 further reinforces this perception, falling below the UK average safety score of 79. These figures indicate that Accrington may feel less safe compared to other areas in the UK.
Breaking down the crime data, the violent crime rate in Accrington is 55.5 incidents per 1,000 people. While this provides a specific number, it's crucial to remember that 'violent crime' encompasses a broad range of offences. It's important to note that this data reflects incidents reported to the police; the actual number of incidents may be higher.
It's difficult to isolate weekend night crime specifically from the overall crime rate data. However, areas with higher population density and activity, such as town centres, often experience increased incidents during peak times. Therefore, while we can’t state definitively that weekend nights are inherently more dangerous, the increased footfall and activity could potentially contribute to a higher risk.
Ultimately, personal safety depends on a number of factors, including individual awareness and behaviour. Being vigilant, sticking to well-lit and populated areas, and avoiding walking alone late at night are always advisable. Checking local police updates or community safety websites for any specific warnings or incidents affecting the town centre can also be helpful.