The question of what contributes to the high rate of violence and sexual offences in Old Sarum, Wiltshire is complex and requires careful consideration of available data. While it's important to acknowledge the concern, it's also vital to interpret the information accurately. Old Sarum, a Built-Up Area (BUA), has a population of 5826. Its crime rate stands at 59.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents.
It’s crucial to understand that a higher rate, even when below the national average, still suggests a concentrated area of concern. The specific nature of the reported crimes – violence and sexual offences – are particularly serious and warrant further scrutiny. While the provided data doesn’t specify the causes of these offences, it’s important to acknowledge that smaller populations can experience statistically higher rates due to even a relatively small number of incidents. A single incident, for example, can significantly skew the crime rate per 1,000 residents in a place like Old Sarum.
Interestingly, Old Sarum boasts a safety score of 85/100, exceeding the UK average of 79. This suggests that, despite the statistical crime rate, residents generally perceive their area as safe. This discrepancy between reported crime and perceived safety might be attributable to factors not reflected in the crime data alone, such as strong community bonds, effective local policing, or the nature of the crimes themselves (e.g., incidents affecting a smaller group of people).
Without further data regarding the specific types of violence and sexual offences, demographic factors, socioeconomic conditions, and local policing strategies, it's impossible to definitively pinpoint the contributing factors. It's also important to remember that crime statistics can fluctuate and are influenced by reporting practices and data collection methods.