The question of how Longhoughton’s crime rate compares to Alnwick is a valid one, and the data reveals a significant difference. Longhoughton, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Northumberland with a population of 1729, has a crime rate of 15.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. In contrast, Alnwick, a nearby area, experiences a crime rate of 157.6 per 1,000 residents. This represents a substantial disparity, suggesting Longhoughton is considerably safer based on reported crime.
To provide context, the UK average crime rate stands at 91.6 per 1,000. Therefore, Longhoughton's crime rate is considerably below the national average, while Alnwick’s rate is significantly higher. This difference alone highlights the varying levels of reported crime in these two locations.
Beyond the raw crime rate, Longhoughton's safety score is 96 out of 100, far exceeding the UK average of 79. This high safety score likely reflects the lower crime rate and potentially other factors contributing to a sense of security within the community. Comparing Longhoughton to its immediate neighbours, Lesbury and Hipsburn, shows further variation: Lesbury and Embleton both have a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, while Hipsburn reports a rate of 54.8 per 1,000. This illustrates that crime rates can fluctuate considerably even within a small geographical area.
It’s important to remember that crime statistics provide only one piece of the puzzle when assessing the safety and quality of life in a location. Other factors, such as community engagement, local services, and perceptions of safety, all contribute to the overall experience. While the data clearly indicates a lower crime rate and higher safety score in Longhoughton compared to Alnwick, further investigation into local conditions is always recommended.