The relationship between population size and crime rates is complex, but in the case of Underwood, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Newport, the population appears to have a unique influence. Underwood has a population of 1680 residents. Its crime rate stands at 45.2 incidents per 1,000 people. This is considerably lower than the United Kingdom’s average crime rate of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 people.
Typically, larger populations can be associated with higher crime rates due to increased opportunity for crime and greater anonymity for offenders. However, Underwood defies this simple correlation. The lower crime rate, combined with a strong safety score of 85 out of 100 (compared to a UK average of 79), indicates that population density alone doesn’t dictate safety.
Several factors beyond population likely contribute to Underwood’s favourable statistics. These could include strong community ties, effective local policing, well-maintained public spaces, and a relatively affluent demographic. It's also important to note that crime rates are often influenced by reporting rates – a community with high trust in the police may be more likely to report incidents, potentially skewing the statistics.
It’s crucial to remember that crime statistics represent reported incidents. They don't necessarily capture the full picture of safety and security within Underwood. However, the data clearly demonstrates that a smaller population doesn't automatically equate to a higher crime rate, and that other factors are at play in shaping the area’s safety profile.