The question of whether Burgess Hill town centre is safe on weekend nights requires a nuanced assessment based on available data. While Burgess Hill, a Built-up Area (BUA) with a population of 34,265, doesn’t have an exceptionally high overall crime rate – sitting at 69.4 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 91.6 – specific aspects of safety deserve consideration.
Burgess Hill’s overall Safety Score is 85/100, which is above the UK average of 79, suggesting a relatively safe environment. However, the crucial detail lies in the Night Safety Score, which is a concerning 9/100. This metric specifically reflects perceptions of safety after dark. A low score indicates that people feel less secure during nighttime hours, and it's a significant factor when considering weekend evenings.
The Violent Crime Rate in Burgess Hill is 22.8 per 1,000 residents. While not drastically higher than in some areas, it does contribute to the lower Night Safety Score. It's important to note that these are overall statistics, and specific areas within the town centre may experience fluctuations in safety.
While the data provides a snapshot, it doesn't tell the full story. Personal experiences and perceptions can vary greatly. The Night Safety Score suggests that while incidents may not be frequent, the perceived risk is high. This could be due to a number of factors, including concerns about antisocial behaviour, visible disorder, or a lack of perceived police presence. Ultimately, assessing safety involves more than just numbers; it incorporates how comfortable individuals feel in a given environment.
To enhance safety on weekend nights, it's advisable to: remain vigilant of your surroundings, travel in groups, stick to well-lit and populated routes, and be aware of local news and police updates regarding any incidents or concerns in the area.