The question of how New Forest crime rates compare to other areas is a common one, and the answer is reassuring. Based on available data, the New Forest appears to be a relatively safe place to live. The crime rate in the New Forest Local Authority District (LAD) stands at 60.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the United Kingdom's average crime rate, which sits at 91.6 per 1,000 residents.
This significant difference suggests that the New Forest experiences fewer crimes proportionally than many other parts of the country. To put this in perspective, for every 1000 people in the New Forest, there are approximately 60 crimes reported, whereas across the UK as a whole, that number is closer to 92. This lower rate doesn't imply an absence of crime, but rather a more favourable situation compared to the national picture.
Furthermore, the New Forest boasts a safety score of 85 out of 100. This score, again, is higher than the UK average of 79, reinforcing the perception of relative safety. A higher safety score indicates a greater sense of security and lower levels of perceived risk among residents. The population of the New Forest LAD is 176,116, so understanding the rate of crime within this community is crucial for assessing overall safety and well-being.
It's important to note that crime statistics are complex and can be influenced by various factors, including reporting rates and the types of crimes recorded. However, based solely on the provided data, the New Forest exhibits a more favourable crime rate and a higher safety score than the national average, suggesting a generally safer environment.