The question of what the long-term crime trends have been in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, is a pertinent one for residents and those considering moving to the area. Currently, Bishop's Castle, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 1529, exhibits an increasing crime trend. While the overall crime rate sits at 64.8 incidents per 1,000 people, this is notably lower than the United Kingdom's average of 91.6 per 1,000. However, the recent trend is what warrants closer attention.
The concerning aspect is the year-on-year (YoY) increase in crime, currently standing at 8.8%. This signifies a recent rise in reported criminal activity within the BUA. It’s crucial to understand that a lower crime rate than the national average doesn't necessarily equate to complete safety, and an increasing trend indicates a potential shift in the area's security landscape. The safety score for Bishop’s Castle is 84/100, which is higher than the UK average of 79. This suggests a perception of relative safety, but the increasing crime trend needs to be factored into any assessment.
It's important to note that this data reflects reported crimes; the actual level of crime may be higher due to underreporting or crimes that go undetected. Further investigation into the types of crimes contributing to this increase would be beneficial in understanding the specific challenges faced by the community. While detailed historical crime data beyond the recent YoY increase isn't provided, the current trend necessitates awareness and proactive community measures. The lower base crime rate means that even a relatively small number of incidents can represent a significant percentage increase.