The safety score of 82/100 for Great Malvern, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Malvern Hills, provides a valuable insight into the overall safety perception of the area. This score, which is notably higher than the UK average of 79/100, indicates that Great Malvern is generally perceived as a safer place to live or visit. However, it's crucial to understand what this score represents in relation to actual crime statistics.
Let's examine the data. Great Malvern has a population of 33,545. Its crime rate stands at 79.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is a lower crime rate than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000, suggesting that, comparatively, fewer crimes occur in Great Malvern. A further breakdown reveals a violent crime rate of 28.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. While violent crime is a serious concern anywhere, this figure also sits below the national average.
The safety score is likely calculated using a combination of factors beyond just raw crime statistics. These may include perceptions of safety based on surveys, local community initiatives, police presence, and potentially, environmental factors like lighting and the upkeep of public spaces. A higher safety score doesn’t mean crime is non-existent; it reflects a more positive overall impression of safety.
It's important to remember that crime statistics are simply numbers representing reported incidents. They don't always capture the full picture of safety. For example, underreporting of certain crimes can skew the data. Furthermore, the perception of safety is subjective and can be influenced by individual experiences and biases. While the 82/100 score is reassuring, remaining vigilant and taking standard safety precautions remains important. Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly during evening hours, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Understanding the underlying crime rates provides a more complete picture than the safety score alone.