Hanover County, Virginia, is a mostly rural area with around 107,000 people. It’s famous for its historical spots, like where Patrick Henry was born and where several Civil War battles happened.
But not every part of the county is equally safe. Here are the top five riskier neighborhoods in Hanover County, based on Crime Grade’s data on crime per person
Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
Downtown Ashland | 37 |
Mechanicsville | 26 |
Doswell | 20 |
Montpelier | 18 |
Beaverdam | 17 |
Downtown Ashland: This part of Ashland, right in the center of town, has the most crime in the county. There are 36.77 crimes for every 1,000 people here, which is more than twice the county average of 15.60 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Mechanicsville: The eastern part of the county has the second-highest crime rate, with 25.64 crimes per 1,000 residents. The crime rate in this area is over 60% higher than the average for the whole county.
Doswell: In the northern part of the county, there’s a higher crime rate compared to other areas. Specifically, there are 19.51 crimes for every 1,000 residents, which is over 20% higher than the average crime rate for the entire county.
Montpelier: The western part of the county has the fourth-highest crime rate, with 18.29 crimes for every 1,000 residents. This area’s crime rate is over 15% higher than the average for the whole county.
Beaverdam: This part of the county, in the northwest, has the fifth-highest crime rate – 17.07 crimes per 1,000 residents. The crime rate here is over 10% higher than the average for the whole county.
The Actions Taken by Officials in This County to Tackle Crime
Among the actions the authorities have done to combat crime in Hanover County are:
- Annual crime statistics are released, and the general public has access to a crime mapping website where occurrences can be viewed according to date, type, and location.
- HCSO SHIELD, a collaboration and information-sharing network between the community and the Sheriff’s Office, is being launched with the goal of raising community awareness of criminal activities, encouraging suspicious activity reporting, and assisting law enforcement.
- Reacting to local, state, federal, and worldwide criminal or terrorist incidents, such the beltway sniper incident and the search and rescue mission for a child with autism.
These are a few strategies being used by the authorities to attempt and make Hanover County a safer place to live.
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To Conclude
Although Hanover County has a rich history and beautiful countryside, it’s important to recognize that some areas experience higher crime rates. The focus should be on five highlighted neighborhoods, especially Downtown Ashland, which require attention and proactive measures from both residents and authorities.
While officials have taken positive steps, such as increasing transparency with crime statistics and engaging the community through HCSO SHIELD, the effectiveness of these actions needs continuous evaluation and improvement. It’s also crucial to develop targeted strategies tailored to the specific needs of each high-risk neighborhood.
Creating a safer Hanover County requires collaboration. Residents can help by staying informed, reporting suspicious activity, and supporting community programs. Officials must invest in sufficient resources, implement evidence-based crime prevention strategies, and demonstrate a transparent commitment to public safety.
Through this joint effort, Hanover County can use its historical charm and rural character to thrive as a safe and secure community for everyone.
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