The question of whether specific areas within Rayleigh experience higher crime rates is a common concern. Examining the available data for Rayleigh in Rochford (BUA), which encompasses the entire town and surrounding built-up areas, provides a useful overview.
Rayleigh's overall crime rate stands at 52.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000 residents. This suggests that, on a broad level, Rayleigh is a relatively safe place to live. The population of Rayleigh in Rochford is recorded as 32,250.
Furthermore, Rayleigh scores 87 out of 100 on the safety scale, again surpassing the UK average of 79. This safety score considers factors beyond raw crime numbers, potentially including perceptions of safety and community resilience.
It’s important to note that the data doesn't provide a granular breakdown of crime by specific neighbourhoods or streets within Rayleigh. Crime data is typically aggregated at the BUA (Built-Up Area) level, meaning we can't pinpoint areas with disproportionately higher crime within Rayleigh itself. To gain a more localised understanding, residents would need to engage with local police community support officers (PCSOs) or consult more detailed, but potentially unavailable, police reports.
While the overall picture is positive, it’s crucial to remember that crime can fluctuate and localised incidents can occur anywhere. Staying aware of your surroundings and reporting any suspicious behaviour to the police remains important for everyone’s safety. The lower crime rate compared to the national average indicates a safer environment, but continuous vigilance is key.