The question of what drives violence and sexual offence crimes in Mortimer is complex and requires a nuanced understanding of the available data. Mortimer, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in West Berkshire with a population of 3629, presents a unique picture when compared to the national average. While the overall crime rate in Mortimer stands at 69.7 per 1,000 residents, this is lower than the UK average of 91.6. This suggests, on the surface, that Mortimer is relatively safer than many other areas in the country. However, a closer examination of the safety scores reveals a concerning disparity.
Mortimer’s overall safety score is 85/100, again exceeding the UK average of 79. This indicates a general perception of safety amongst residents. Crucially, the night safety score is a significantly lower 9/100. This stark contrast highlights a potential area of concern. A low night safety score suggests that residents may feel less safe or experience more incidents of concern during the evening and nighttime hours. It’s important to note that this score represents perceived safety and may not directly correlate with reported crime statistics, but it reflects residents' experiences and anxieties.
It's difficult to pinpoint the precise drivers behind the low night safety score without further qualitative data, such as resident surveys and local police reports. Possible contributing factors could include limited street lighting, a lack of visible police presence during nighttime hours, or concerns about anti-social behaviour. The lower crime rate overall might indicate a well-managed community, but the disparity in night safety suggests specific issues require targeted attention. The reported crime rate of 69.7 per 1,000 residents, while below the national average, still represents a considerable number of incidents within the small population of Mortimer. Further investigation into the types of crimes reported during the nighttime hours would be beneficial to understanding the specific challenges facing the area.