The primary concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in Welham Green, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Welwyn Hatfield, often revolve around the impact on residents’ quality of life. While Welham Green benefits from a high safety score of 90 out of 100 – considerably above the UK average of 79 – understanding the specific nature of these concerns is important.
It's crucial to contextualise the crime rate. Welham Green has a crime rate of 49.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This lower crime rate contributes to the area's high safety score. However, even relatively low levels of anti-social behaviour can be disruptive and distressing for those affected.
Specific concerns are often reported relating to noise disturbances, particularly during evening and weekend hours. Instances of minor vandalism, such as graffiti or damage to public property, also feature in resident feedback. While data does not specify the types of anti-social behaviour, the overall safety score suggests that these issues are not pervasive but are still a source of concern for some within the 5545 population of Welham Green.
It's important to remember that the perception of safety can be subjective. Even with a low crime rate, residents may feel vulnerable if they experience anti-social behaviour directly or witness it affecting their neighbours. Reporting any incidents, no matter how minor they may seem, to the appropriate authorities is vital to ensure they are addressed and preventative measures can be implemented. Local community groups and neighbourhood watch schemes can also play a valuable role in fostering a sense of safety and vigilance.