The question of whether Bellingham is safe to walk around at night requires a nuanced response. Bellingham, located in Northumberland and classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 2217, presents a mixed picture when considering nighttime safety.
Firstly, Bellingham's overall crime rate stands at 37.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that, in terms of overall crime, Bellingham is a relatively safer area. Furthermore, its overall safety score is a respectable 92 out of 100, compared to a UK average of 79, indicating a generally positive perception of safety.
However, the crucial element for your question concerns nighttime safety. Bellingham’s night safety score is only 18 out of 100. This lower score highlights that perceptions of safety decrease noticeably after dark. The violent crime rate within Bellingham is 12.2 per 1,000, which is a factor to consider when evaluating nighttime safety. While not excessively high, it’s a relevant statistic when combined with the low night safety score.
It's important to understand that safety scores are derived from a combination of reported crime statistics and public perception. A low night safety score could be influenced by factors such as limited street lighting, fewer people on the streets, or simply a feeling of unease. It does not necessarily mean that incidents are frequent, but rather reflects a lower level of comfort and security felt by residents and visitors during the evening.
Therefore, while Bellingham benefits from a lower overall crime rate and a good overall safety score, the comparatively low night safety score suggests that exercising caution when walking around at night is advisable. Being aware of your surroundings, sticking to well-lit and populated routes, and avoiding isolated areas are sensible precautions.