The question of what the trends are in violence and sexual offences in Oswestry, Shropshire, is one that many residents understandably seek answers to. Based on available data, the overall crime rate in Oswestry (defined as a Built-Up Area or BUA) stands at 87.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. This is marginally lower than the United Kingdom average of 91.6 crimes per 1,000 people. The population of Oswestry is recorded as 17,554.
Importantly, the data indicates a stable crime trend for Oswestry, showing a year-on-year (YoY) change of 4.7%. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate a significant increase or decrease in violent and sexual offences specifically, it suggests a level of consistency in overall crime levels. It’s crucial to remember that ‘stable’ doesn't mean ‘no crime’; it means the rate hasn't drastically altered within the observed period.
Oswestry also boasts a safety score of 80 out of 100, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 79. A higher safety score generally suggests a perceived lower risk of crime. However, the specific breakdown of violence and sexual offences within this score isn’t provided in the data. Therefore, while the overall safety score is encouraging, it’s essential to remain vigilant and aware of personal safety.
It’s important to note that these figures represent reported crimes. The actual level of crime may be higher due to unreported incidents. Furthermore, crime data can be influenced by various factors, including changes in reporting practices and population demographics. While the data provides a snapshot, it's not a complete picture, and individual experiences may vary. Always report any incidents of violence or sexual offences to the police.