The primary concerns regarding shoplifting in Shoreham-by-Sea centre around the impact on local businesses and the overall sense of security within the community. While Shoreham-by-Sea, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Adur district, demonstrates a generally positive safety profile, shoplifting remains a notable issue.
Data indicates that the crime rate in Shoreham-by-Sea is 73.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the rest of the country. The area's safety score is 85 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79, which provides further reassurance. However, the specific prevalence of shoplifting, a subset of this broader crime rate, warrants attention.
The concerns are not simply about the financial losses incurred by businesses – though these are undeniably significant. Shoplifting can create a climate of anxiety for shop owners and staff, forcing them to implement costly security measures. It can also contribute to a perception of disorder, which can negatively impact the overall attractiveness of the area to shoppers and visitors.
While specific data solely pertaining to shoplifting incidents within Shoreham-by-Sea is not provided, the lower overall crime rate suggests that, proportionally, shoplifting may be less severe than in areas with higher crime rates. However, even relatively low levels of shoplifting can have a disproportionate impact on smaller, independent businesses that operate on tight margins. Local authorities and businesses are encouraged to collaborate on preventative measures, such as increased visibility of security personnel and community watch schemes, to address these concerns and maintain Shoreham-by-Sea's positive safety score.