The question of how the crime rate affects residents' feelings of safety in Hawkhurst is a valid one, and understanding the data provides some clarity. The crime rate in Hawkhurst (a Built-Up Area within Tunbridge Wells) currently stands at 64.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This suggests that, statistically, Hawkhurst experiences less crime than many other areas in the United Kingdom.
However, crime statistics alone don't fully capture the picture. Importantly, Hawkhurst boasts a safety score of 85 out of 100, which is also above the UK average of 79. A safety score considers factors beyond just crime rates, potentially including perceptions of community safety, the presence of security measures, and the overall feeling of wellbeing within the area. This relatively high safety score suggests that, despite the numerical crime rate, residents generally feel safer than they might expect based solely on the statistics.
It's crucial to remember that feelings of safety are subjective. While the data presents a reassuring picture – a lower crime rate and a higher safety score – individual experiences and perceptions can vary significantly. A single, highly-publicised incident, even if rare, can disproportionately impact residents’ sense of security. The population of Hawkhurst is 5014, meaning a crime rate of 64.6 per 1,000 translates to approximately 324 incidents. While this is a statistic, each incident represents a real impact on someone’s life and can contribute to anxieties about safety, regardless of the overall figures.
Furthermore, it's important to consider that the safety score is a composite metric and its specific methodology might not be fully transparent. It’s possible that residents perceive certain types of crime (such as antisocial behaviour) as more concerning than others, and these perceptions may not be fully reflected in the overall crime rate statistics. Therefore, while the data indicates a generally safe environment, ongoing vigilance and community engagement remain important.