The question of how safe Whitchurch (Shropshire) town centre is at night requires a nuanced look at available data. While the overall safety score for Whitchurch (a Built-Up Area with a population of 10,132) is 82 out of 100, which is slightly above the UK average of 79, the specific ‘Night Safety Score’ is notably lower at just 8 out of 100. This indicates a perceived decrease in safety during evening hours.
Looking at crime statistics, Whitchurch has a crime rate of 76.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally lower level of crime compared to the national picture. However, the violent crime rate stands at 32.2 per 1,000, which, while not drastically higher, warrants consideration.
The stark contrast between the overall safety score and the night safety score highlights a specific concern. The lower night safety score likely reflects perceptions of increased risk after dark, potentially due to reduced visibility, fewer people on the streets, and a change in the type of incidents occurring. It’s important to note that safety scores are often based on a combination of reported crime data and perceived safety, which can be influenced by factors beyond just the numbers.
While the overall crime rate is below the UK average, the lower night safety score suggests exercising increased caution when out in Whitchurch town centre after dark. Being mindful of your surroundings, sticking to well-lit and populated routes, and travelling with others are sensible precautions. Further research into specific incidents reported in the area might provide more granular insight, but this data provides a baseline assessment of safety.