The question of whether Brightlingsea is safe to walk around at night is complex and requires a detailed look at available data. Overall, Brightlingsea, located within the Tendring district, presents a relatively positive safety picture compared to the national average. The area, a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 8782, has a crime rate of 48.9 incidents per 1,000 people. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a lower overall risk of crime. The area’s safety score is 87/100, again exceeding the UK average of 79, reinforcing this perception.
However, a critical factor to consider is the 'Night Safety Score' which stands at a concerning 12/100. This score indicates a lower feeling of safety specifically during nighttime hours. While the violent crime rate is 26.6 per 1,000, which is lower than the overall crime rate, the low night safety score suggests that residents and visitors may feel less secure after dark.
It’s important to understand that these scores are based on aggregated data and do not guarantee individual safety. A lower night safety score can be influenced by various factors, including perceptions of safety, the presence of street lighting, and the frequency of police patrols. It doesn’t necessarily indicate a spike in actual crime but rather a diminished feeling of security.
Therefore, while Brightlingsea generally exhibits a lower crime rate than the UK average, exercising caution when walking alone at night is advisable. Stick to well-lit and populated routes whenever possible and remain aware of your surroundings. Reporting any suspicious activity to the local authorities can also contribute to improving the overall safety of the area.