The question of how safe Cold Ash is at night requires a nuanced look at available data. While Cold Ash, a BUA in West Berkshire with a population of 11,400, generally presents as a safe area, the specific assessment of nighttime safety reveals a more complex picture.
Overall, Cold Ash boasts a high safety score of 98 out of 100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 79. This indicates a generally low perception of risk within the area. However, when considering nighttime safety specifically, the score drops to 23 out of 100. This disparity highlights a lower level of perceived safety after dark.
Examining the crime rate data provides further context. Cold Ash has a crime rate of 10.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, substantially lower than the UK average of 91.6. The violent crime rate is even lower, standing at 3.1 per 1,000 residents. While these figures are reassuring, the lower night safety score suggests that residents’ feelings of safety are diminished after sunset. This could be due to factors such as reduced visibility, fewer people on the streets, or a perceived increase in opportunities for crime.
It’s important to remember that safety scores are based on perceptions and reported incidents. While the crime rates are low compared to the national average, individual experiences can vary. The night safety score of 23/100 suggests that residents may feel less secure when out and about after dark. Therefore, exercising caution and remaining aware of your surroundings is always recommended, particularly when walking alone at night. Being mindful of routes, sticking to well-lit areas, and reporting any suspicious behaviour can all contribute to feeling safer and maintaining the overall safety of Cold Ash.