The question of whether it’s safe to walk around Letchworth at night is complex and requires a detailed look at available data. Letchworth Garden City, located in North Hertfordshire, has a population of approximately 33,195. Overall, Letchworth’s crime rate sits at 85.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is marginally lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that, statistically, Letchworth experiences slightly less crime than the average town or city in the United Kingdom.
However, a crucial element to consider is the ‘Night Safety Score’ which is significantly lower at 7/100, compared to the UK average of 79. This score indicates a perceived lack of safety after dark. It's important to note that safety scores are often based on resident perceptions and may not perfectly reflect actual crime statistics, but they do provide valuable insight into how safe people feel.
The violent crime rate in Letchworth is 33.6 per 1,000 residents. While this figure isn’t dramatically higher than national trends, combined with the low night safety score, it reinforces the need for caution. The difference between the overall safety score (80/100) and the night safety score (7/100) highlights a significant disparity in perceived safety levels between daytime and nighttime hours.
It’s crucial to remember that crime rates are averages. Specific areas within Letchworth may experience higher or lower crime levels. While the overall crime rate is marginally below the UK average, the low night safety score suggests that residents may feel less secure after dark, and it’s prudent to exercise extra caution. Factors influencing night safety scores can include lighting, police presence, and general community vigilance.