The question of whether Loughor town centre is safe during evening and weekend hours requires a nuanced look at available data. Loughor, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Swansea, has a population of 5310. While the overall safety score for Loughor is a respectable 89 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79, the night safety score paints a less reassuring picture at just 14/100. This indicates that perceptions and experiences of safety decrease considerably after dark.
Considering crime rates, Loughor reports a crime rate of 50.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, suggesting that Loughor, in general, experiences less crime than the national average. However, it's crucial to examine violent crime specifically. Loughor's violent crime rate stands at 17.5 per 1,000, a figure that, while not drastically high, warrants awareness, especially during evening and weekend hours when such incidents may be more likely to occur.
The low night safety score is a key factor to consider. This metric reflects the perceived safety of an area at night and is influenced by factors such as lighting, foot traffic, and the presence of visible security measures. A score of 14/100 suggests that many residents and visitors feel less safe in Loughor town centre after dark. This isn't to say that crime is rampant, but rather that conditions contributing to feelings of insecurity are present. It’s important to remember that these scores are based on perceptions and may not always perfectly correlate with actual crime incidents. Nevertheless, the perception of safety is a vital element of overall wellbeing.
Therefore, while Loughor’s overall crime rate is below the UK average, the significantly lower night safety score highlights the need for caution during evening and weekend hours. It’s advisable to remain vigilant, stick to well-lit routes, and consider travelling with others for added security.