The question of whether Upper Poppleton is safe to walk around at night is complex and requires a nuanced look at available data. While the overall crime rate is considerably lower than the national average, specific indicators suggest caution should be exercised.
Upper Poppleton, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in York, has a population of 3173. The overall crime rate stands at 23.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to a UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This indicates that, statistically, Upper Poppleton experiences significantly fewer crimes than the average area in the United Kingdom. The area’s overall safety score is 95 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79.
However, the key factor in assessing nighttime safety is the 'Night Safety Score', which is a concerning 21 out of 100. This metric specifically evaluates perceptions of safety after dark and suggests that residents and visitors may feel less secure when walking alone at night. The Violent Crime Rate is 8.5 per 1,000, which, while lower than the national average, still warrants awareness.
It’s important to understand that safety scores are based on a combination of reported crime data and perceived safety levels. While the lower crime rate is reassuring, the low Night Safety Score implies that factors beyond reported crime – such as lighting, visibility, and the presence of others – contribute to a feeling of unease after dark. This could be due to a variety of factors, including limited street lighting, fewer people on the streets, or specific local concerns. Without further detailed data on the reasons behind the low Night Safety Score, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact causes.
Therefore, while Upper Poppleton's overall crime statistics are favourable, the Night Safety Score suggests exercising caution when walking alone at night. Always be mindful of your surroundings, consider walking with a companion, and stick to well-lit and populated routes whenever possible.