The question of whether Great Torrington town centre is safe to walk around at night requires a nuanced answer based on available data. While the area generally exhibits a reasonable level of safety, specific indicators related to nighttime safety warrant consideration.
Great Torrington, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Torridge district, has a population of 5,783. Its overall crime rate stands at 62.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that, comparatively, Great Torrington experiences less crime than many other areas in the country. The area’s overall safety score is 85 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79, reinforcing this perception of relative safety. However, a critical factor to consider is the violent crime rate, which is recorded at 29.4 per 1,000 people.
The most concerning statistic pertains to the ‘Night Safety Score,’ which is a low 9 out of 100. This score specifically addresses residents' feelings of safety and security during nighttime hours. A score of 9 suggests a significant proportion of individuals do not feel safe walking alone at night in Great Torrington. While this score doesn't directly equate to a higher incidence of crime, it reflects a perceived risk and lack of confidence in personal safety after dark. It’s important to understand that perception can be influenced by factors beyond just crime statistics, such as lighting, visibility, and the presence of security personnel. Further data is needed to understand why this score is so low.
Therefore, while Great Torrington boasts a lower overall crime rate and a good overall safety score compared to the UK average, the low night safety score indicates that caution is advised when walking around the town centre at night. It's recommended to be vigilant, avoid poorly lit areas, and consider alternative transportation options where possible.