9.12.1 In terms of crime rates per head of population there are notable differences between local areas across the region, with recorded crime rates in 2009/10 ranging from 127 per 1,000 population in Bristol to 17 per 1,000 population in the Isles of Scilly.
9.12.2 Seven of the 42 district and unitary authorities in the South West had 2009/10 crime rates per 1,000 population which were in excess of the England and Wales average of 79. A further four exhibited crime rates greater than or equal to the regional average of 66. This leaves three quarters of the areas in the region that had crime rates below the regional average – which demonstrates clearly that there are a relatively small number of areas with higher
crime rates, mostly the major urban centres, that elevate the crime rate for the region.
Figure 9.12.1 Total Recorded Crime by Local Authority 2009/10 - highest rates (areas
greater than or equal to regional average)
