Dartington, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in South Hams, demonstrates a fascinating relationship between its rural location and its crime statistics. The question of how its geographical setting impacts crime is a pertinent one, and the data provides a clear indication: Dartington is considerably safer than the average across the United Kingdom.
With a population of 2167, Dartington boasts a crime rate of just 43.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure stands in stark contrast to the UK average, which sits at 91.6 crimes per 1,000 people. This significant difference highlights the positive influence of Dartington's rural environment. Rural areas generally experience lower crime rates due to factors such as lower population density, stronger community bonds, and often, increased visibility, making it more difficult for criminals to operate undetected.
The safety score for Dartington is equally impressive, registering a 90 out of 100, again surpassing the UK average of 79. This score reflects a perception of safety amongst residents and is a key indicator of overall wellbeing. While this score doesn't specify the types of crimes occurring (or not occurring), it is a positive reflection of the area's security.
Several factors likely contribute to Dartington’s low crime rate. The close-knit nature of rural communities often fosters a sense of shared responsibility and mutual support, leading to increased vigilance and quicker reporting of suspicious activity. Furthermore, the physical layout of rural areas – with longer distances between properties and fewer readily accessible escape routes – can deter potential offenders. It's important to note that these are general contributing factors and the specific dynamics within Dartington's community would be more nuanced. However, the data clearly indicates that its rural setting plays a significant role in maintaining its comparatively low crime rate and high safety score.