The question of whether Charlton (Test Valley) is safe to walk around at night requires a nuanced look at the available data. While Charlton, a built-up area within Test Valley with a population of 2131, benefits from a lower crime rate than the UK average, the night safety score provides a cautionary perspective.
Charlton’s overall crime rate stands at 36.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that, generally, Charlton experiences less crime than many other areas in the country. Its safety score of 91/100 also reflects this relative safety, exceeding the UK average of 79. However, the vital distinction lies in the ‘Night Safety Score,’ which is considerably lower at 16/100. This score indicates a lower perceived level of safety specifically during nighttime hours.
Delving deeper, the violent crime rate in Charlton is 15.0 per 1,000 residents. While still a figure to be mindful of, it remains lower than the national average. The lower night safety score likely stems from factors beyond just raw crime statistics. These could include perceptions of lighting, the presence of people on the streets, and general feelings of vulnerability after dark. It’s important to remember that safety is a subjective experience, and individual perceptions can vary.
It's crucial to interpret these statistics within context. The relatively small population of Charlton (2131) can mean that even a few incidents can disproportionately impact crime rates and perceptions. While the overall crime rate is low, focusing on personal safety measures remains essential, particularly during the night. Being aware of your surroundings, sticking to well-lit routes, and travelling with others are sensible precautions to take regardless of the statistical data.