The question of whether Kingswood is safe for university students is a valid concern, and thankfully, data suggests it’s a comparatively secure location. Kingswood, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Reigate and Banstead district, has a population of 3525. When considering crime rates, Kingswood exhibits a notable advantage compared to the UK national average. The overall crime rate in Kingswood stands at 41.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This translates to a substantially reduced risk of experiencing crime compared to many other areas in the country.
Furthermore, Kingswood’s safety score is a strong 91 out of 100, exceeding the UK average safety score of 79. This score reflects a combination of factors including crime statistics and perceived safety. While a high safety score is encouraging, it’s important to understand the specific types of crime occurring. The violent crime rate in Kingswood is recorded at 12.8 per 1,000 residents. This is also lower than the UK average, although it's crucial to remember that any level of violent crime is concerning.
It’s important to note that crime statistics represent reported incidents and may not capture the full picture of safety. Perceptions of safety can be influenced by various factors beyond crime rates. However, based solely on the provided data from within the period assessed, Kingswood appears to offer a relatively safe environment. As with any location, students should remain aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone late at night, and utilise available safety resources. Familiarising yourself with local neighbourhood watch schemes, reporting suspicious activity, and ensuring personal belongings are secure are always advisable.