The question of whether New Haw, West Byfleet, and Sheerwater are safe to walk around at night requires careful consideration of available data. This area, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Woking, has a population of 42,175. While the overall crime rate stands at 48.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, this is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a generally safer environment than many other parts of the country. A safety score of 89/100 further reinforces this positive assessment, again exceeding the UK average of 79.
However, a crucial indicator is the 'Night Safety Score,' which is notably low at 13/100. This score specifically assesses feelings of safety after dark, and a rating of 13 suggests that many people do not feel secure walking alone at night. The violent crime rate is 17.0 per 1,000 residents, which is also an important factor to consider.
It's important to interpret these figures within context. A lower crime rate and higher safety score overall don't automatically guarantee safety at night. The low night safety score indicates a perception of risk, which may be influenced by factors not captured in crime statistics alone, such as street lighting, presence of CCTV, and local community feeling. While we don't have data on specific incidents or types of crime occurring at night, the low night safety score is a clear warning. Therefore, while the area is generally safer than average, exercising caution and being aware of your surroundings is crucial when walking at night.