The question of whether rural crime trends are impacting Epworth's crime statistics is a pertinent one, particularly given the area's location. Epworth, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in North Lincolnshire with a population of 3755, currently exhibits a crime rate of 41.3 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Furthermore, Epworth boasts a safety score of 89 out of 100, considerably higher than the UK average of 79, indicating a generally safe environment.
The most encouraging aspect of Epworth’s crime data is the recent downward trend. Crime rates have decreased by 6.6% year-on-year. While it's difficult to definitively attribute this decline solely to a reduction in rural crime, it’s certainly a factor to consider. Rural crime, which often includes offences such as theft of machinery, livestock, and poaching, can affect areas like Epworth due to their proximity to agricultural land. However, the data does not provide specifics regarding the type of crime decreasing, so while the overall trend is positive, it doesn’t isolate rural crime’s impact.
It's important to note that the 6.6% decrease suggests a positive shift, but doesn't necessarily mean rural crime has vanished. It may indicate improved preventative measures, increased community vigilance, or a combination of factors. The lower crime rate and higher safety score, when compared to the UK average, highlight that Epworth is, comparatively, a safer place to live. Continued monitoring of crime statistics, and engagement with local policing initiatives, will be key to sustaining this positive trend and understanding the specific influences on crime within the area.