Rockingham County, NH boasts a position among the nation’s safest counties, showcasing a low violent crime rate of 8.4 and a property crime rate of 18.8 per 100,000 residents.
Nonetheless, safety levels can vary within the county, and certain neighborhoods exhibit higher crime rates than others. Below are the five neighborhoods in Rockingham County deemed the most perilous, as indicated by the latest crime data from 2019.
Raymond
Raymond, situated in the western region of the county, is inhabited by a population of 10,138. The town exhibits a higher violent crime rate of 29.4 and a property crime rate of 1,069.9 per 100,000 residents, surpassing both county and state averages.
Notably, Raymond hosts the Pawtuckaway State Park, providing various recreational activities such as camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating.
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Seabrook
Seabrook gained recognition for hosting the largest nuclear power plant in New Hampshire, serving as a primary electricity provider. Situated along the coast, this town, with a population of 8,844, resides in the southeastern section of the county.
Notably, Seabrook exhibits elevated crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 33.9 and a property crime rate of 1,108.6 per 100,000 residents, surpassing both county and state averages.
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Derry
Derry, situated in the southern part of the county, is home to a population of 33,442. The town exhibits higher-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 41.7 and a property crime rate of 1,153.5 per 100,000 residents, surpassing both county and state averages.
Notably, Derry holds historical significance as the birthplace of astronaut Alan Shepard, who achieved the milestone of being the first American in space and the fifth person to walk on the moon.
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Salem
Salem, situated in the southern part of the county, is home to 28,776 residents. The town exhibits high crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 62.9 and a property crime rate of 1,545.6 per 100,000 residents, ranking among the highest in both the county and the state.
Additionally, Salem is notable for being the location of America’s Stonehenge, a mysterious stone structure that some speculate dates back to ancient times.
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Portsmouth
Portsmouth, situated in the eastern part of the county, is a city with a population of 21,927. It holds the highest violent crime rate of 93.5 and property crime rate of 2,372.1 per 100,000 residents in both the county and the state.
As the oldest city in New Hampshire, Portsmouth boasts a rich history as a seaport, featuring numerous cultural attractions. Some noteworthy sites include the Strawbery Banke Museum, the Music Hall, and the Prescott Park Arts Festival.
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What Are Some Preventive Measures to Reduce Crime?
Various crime prevention strategies exist with the goal of diminishing the chances, origins, or repercussions of criminal activities. Examples include:
Situational Crime Prevention
This entails implementing physical or environmental modifications to discourage or thwart potential offenders. For instance, one might install locks, alarms, CCTV, lighting, or fences to safeguard property.
Social and Community Crime Prevention
This aims to tackle the social and economic elements that could impact criminal conduct. For instance, offering education, employment, health, or recreational services to at-risk groups or communities.
Punitive Crime Prevention
This hinges on using the fear or implementation of legal consequences to discourage or penalize wrongdoers. For instance, implementing fines, imprisonment, or rehabilitation programs to uphold the law.
These constitute certain precautionary steps that both the government and society can adopt to reduce the incidence of crime.
Nevertheless, addressing this intricate issue does not have a singular or straightforward solution, as diverse strategies may yield varying outcomes based on the circumstances and the nature of the crime. Hence, it is crucial to assess the efficacy and influence of these measures on the general welfare and justice within society.
Final Words
In summary, Rockingham County, NH offers a safe and diverse environment for living, working, and visiting. However, like any area, there are pockets with higher crime rates.
By pinpointing the five riskier neighborhoods within the county, our goal is to promote awareness and advocate for preventive measures to mitigate the potential for violence and property damage.
Additionally, we aim to shed light on the positive features and attractions of these neighborhoods, emphasizing that their character extends beyond crime statistics. Rockingham County, NH is a region of varied contrasts, inviting you to discover its beauty and rich history.
