The question of why violence and sexual offences appear prevalent in Leonard Stanley, a Built-Up Area (BUA) encompassing Leonard Stanley and King's Stanley in Stroud, is a complex one. While the perception may be concerning, it's vital to examine the data objectively. The area has a population of 3414. The reported crime rate for Leonard Stanley is 42.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK national average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents.
It's crucial to understand that a higher crime rate per capita doesn't necessarily equate to a more dangerous area. The relatively small population of Leonard Stanley means that even a small number of incidents can significantly impact the per capita crime rate. A few reported incidents can skew the statistics.
Interestingly, despite the higher reported crime rate in certain categories, Leonard Stanley boasts a safety score of 90 out of 100, which is considerably higher than the UK average of 79. This suggests that, overall, residents perceive the area as safe, and other factors contribute to a sense of security. It's possible that increased reporting, better data collection, or a greater awareness of these types of crimes within the community are contributing to the higher reported figures. It's also important to consider that the data represents reported crimes; unreported crimes would naturally lower the statistics. Further investigation into the types of violence and sexual offences reported would be necessary to understand the specific issues contributing to the seemingly higher prevalence. For example, are these incidents stranger attacks, domestic disputes, or something else entirely? Without that breakdown, drawing firm conclusions is difficult.
Ultimately, understanding the specific nature of the reported crimes and exploring factors contributing to both reporting and perception are essential for a complete picture. The relatively high safety score offers a counterpoint, suggesting a general sense of security within the community.