Determining specific 'safest' walking routes in Cold Ash is challenging without detailed local mapping data on lighting and pedestrian traffic. However, considering the overall safety profile of the area, residents can generally feel quite secure while walking. Cold Ash, a built-up area (BUA) in West Berkshire, boasts a population of 11,400. Its crime rate stands at 10.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This translates to a high safety score of 98 out of 100, significantly outperforming the national average of 79.
It's important to note the distinction between overall crime rate and violent crime rate. While the overall crime rate is low, the violent crime rate is 3.1 per 1,000 residents. This indicates that while petty crime may be minimal, incidents involving violence, though infrequent, do occur.
Given the data, residents can reasonably expect a relatively safe walking environment. However, standard safety precautions should always be observed. These include: favouring routes with good visibility and lighting, particularly during evening hours; being mindful of your surroundings and avoiding distractions; and walking with a companion whenever possible.
While specific route recommendations are unavailable from the provided data, the general low crime rate and high safety score suggest that most well-populated areas within Cold Ash are likely to be relatively safe for pedestrians. Contacting West Berkshire Council’s local authority or neighbourhood watch groups may provide more granular information on perceived safety of specific paths and routes. Remember to report any suspicious activity to the police.