How is this calculated?
The figures that you see represent crimes and incidents that
have occurred in your safer neighbourhood area for the last three
months and there is also a longer term trend graph. The figures are
updated every month.
We have shown
the actual numbers of crimes but to compare areas we have
also shown the number of crimes per 1000 resident
population. This means that if there are 5 crimes in an
area in which 1000 people live then the crime rate will be shown as
5. If there is less than 1 crime per 1000 people it will be shown
as a part crime (eg.0.5). Clearly there cannot be a part crime but
this is how the statistics work.
The change in crime rate is also shown in
terms of a percentage change. Therefore, if there were 3 crimes in
a three month period and in the next 3 month period there were 6,
it would be shown as a 100% increase. So, it is important to look
at the number of crimes (See Figure A). In many local
areas, crime levels are low and small changes can lead to big
percentage changes. Please be reassured – the likelihood of being a
victim of a crime is very low.
You will see that there is a map that is
shaded and the shade indicates whether crime is average or above or
below average in comparison to the average for the whole of Poole,
Bournemouth and Dorset. In fact there are 5 bands and these are
worked out using statistical analysis. This is referred to as
standard
deviation analysis and by clicking on the term you will get a
detailed explanation.
Importantly, statistics don’t tell you
everything and to learn more you are encouraged to visit your safer
neighbourhood site and speak to your safer neighbourhood team.