The question of why violence and sexual offences appear prevalent in Shilbottle, Northumberland, is complex and requires careful consideration of the available data. While the term 'prevalent' can be subjective, the statistics reveal a specific situation within this small Built-Up Area (BUA). Shilbottle has a population of 1816 residents. The crime rate recorded is 31.9 incidents per 1,000 people. This figure, while seemingly high, is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000.
It’s important to note that a lower crime rate per capita doesn’t necessarily mean the area is entirely free from crime or that the reported incidents are less serious. The perception of prevalence might stem from a combination of factors, including the relatively small population size. A small number of incidents can have a disproportionate impact on the crime rate per 1,000 when calculated. For example, even just a handful of reported offences can significantly raise the rate in a village of 1816 people.
Despite the lower crime rate, Shilbottle’s safety score is remarkably high, standing at 92/100, which is considerably above the UK average of 79. This suggests that residents generally feel safe and that the area benefits from strong community ties and potentially effective local policing. The disparity between the crime rate and the safety score could be due to several reasons, such as unreported incidents, a strong sense of community safety, or differences in how 'safety' is perceived versus the statistical representation of crime.
It is crucial to remember that these figures represent recorded crime, and not all crimes are reported. Further investigation would require a deeper analysis of the types of violence and sexual offences occurring in Shilbottle, any underlying contributing factors, and a comparison with similar rural communities. Understanding the nuances of the data is essential to accurately assess the situation and implement appropriate preventative measures.