The question of what specific challenges relate to crime in rural areas of Westmorland and Furness requires a nuanced understanding. While the area boasts a lower-than-average crime rate of 71.5 per 1,000 residents, compared to the UK average of 91.6, rural areas present distinct difficulties that warrant attention. This is further reflected in Westmorland and Furness's safety score of 82/100, which is slightly above the UK average of 79.
Several factors contribute to these challenges. The population of Westmorland and Furness, at 230,185, is relatively dispersed across a large geographical area. This lower population density, typical of rural settings, can make response times for law enforcement slower and can also lead to increased opportunities for undetected crime. Isolated farms and rural properties are particularly vulnerable to theft, including machinery, livestock, and valuable equipment. The value of these items, coupled with the distance to police stations, can make rural crime a lucrative target for opportunistic offenders.
Furthermore, the rural landscape itself can present obstacles. Limited CCTV coverage, fewer streetlights, and challenging terrain can all hinder crime prevention and investigation. The close-knit nature of rural communities, while generally a positive factor, can also create barriers to reporting crime, with some residents hesitant to involve the authorities due to concerns about neighbourly relations or fear of repercussions. While overall crime rates are lower, the impact of any crime in a smaller community can feel disproportionately significant.
It’s important to note that the lower crime rate doesn’t imply a complete absence of crime; it simply suggests that the area experiences less crime per head of population than the national average. Addressing the specific vulnerabilities of rural Westmorland and Furness requires targeted preventative measures, increased community engagement, and ongoing collaboration between residents, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies.