The increasing crime rate is understandably concerning for residents of Hanley Swan, a built-up area within the Malvern Hills district. While the area’s safety score remains comparatively high at 90 out of 100 (significantly above the UK average of 79), the recent trend of rising crime presents a challenge.
Currently, Hanley Swan experiences a crime rate of 40.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, suggesting the area is still generally safer than many parts of the country. However, the concerning factor is the year-on-year (YoY) increase of 44.7%. This means that the frequency of reported crimes has risen substantially over the past year.
This increase impacts residents in several ways. It can lead to feelings of unease and anxiety about personal safety and the security of their property. It may also prompt residents to alter their behaviour, such as avoiding certain areas or being more cautious when out and about. The perceived decline in safety can also affect the overall sense of community and wellbeing.
It's important to contextualise these figures. While the increase is significant, the overall crime rate remains below the national average. The population of Hanley Swan is relatively small, with 1665 residents, which means even a small number of additional crimes can disproportionately impact the crime rate per capita. Understanding the specific types of crimes contributing to this increase would provide further insight and allow for targeted preventative measures. However, this data is not currently available.
Given the upward trend, it is vital that residents remain aware of their surroundings and take appropriate safety precautions. Reporting any suspicious activity to the police is crucial, as is participating in any local community watch schemes or neighbourhood safety initiatives that may exist.