The question of why violence and sexual offences are seemingly high in Burnham-on-Crouch is a valid one, particularly when considering the available data. According to the data, Burnham-on-Crouch, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Maldon, has a crime rate of 45.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This discrepancy immediately raises questions about the factors contributing to this elevated rate.
It's important to consider the context of these figures. While the crime rate is higher than the national average, Burnham-on-Crouch's population is relatively small, at just 10,532 people. Smaller populations can experience disproportionately higher crime rates simply due to the impact of even a few incidents. The safety score, however, provides a contrasting perspective. Burnham-on-Crouch registers a safety score of 88 out of 100, which is above the UK average of 79. This suggests that, despite the higher reported crime rate, residents may still perceive the area as reasonably safe.
Several factors could contribute to the reported crime statistics. These can include reporting rates – a community may be more likely to report crimes, inflating the numbers – and the nature of the incidents themselves. A few serious offences can significantly impact the overall crime rate in a small area. It's also crucial to remember that crime statistics represent reported incidents, and may not capture the full picture of criminal activity. Further investigation would be needed to determine the specific drivers behind the reported violence and sexual offences, and to understand why the reported rate is higher than the national average despite a relatively high safety score.