Retford Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Retford, covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, indicate a crime rate of 79.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, and the area benefits from a safety score of 81/100, also above the national average of 79/100. However, while Retford demonstrates a relatively safe environment compared to the national picture, the data highlights specific areas of concern. Notably, violence and sexual offences represent a significant portion of reported crime. Overall, crime rates have been decreasing, offering a degree of reassurance to the community.

The latest crime data for Retford, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest proportion of reported crimes, accounting for 37.4% of incidents (717 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows closely at 17.0% (326 crimes), and criminal damage and arson represent 9.3% (179 crimes). Shoplifting is also a notable concern, representing 9.0% of recorded crime (172 crimes). The property crime rate in Retford stands at 26.8 per 1,000 residents, which is influenced by the area’s mix of residential and commercial properties, coupled with the town’s position as a local hub for shopping and services. The demographics of Retford, with a mix of ages and socio-economic backgrounds, likely contribute to the diversity of crime types observed.

Crime rates in Retford have demonstrated a consistent downward trend throughout the period from January 2025 to December 2025, representing a decrease of 15.5% year-on-year. This positive shift is reflected in the monthly data, with crime rates generally decreasing from 6.8 per 1,000 in January 2025 to 6.4 per 1,000 in December 2025. Notable dips occurred in February (6.0 per 1,000) and August (5.1 per 1,000), while July saw a slightly higher rate of 8.0 per 1,000. This overall reduction in crime provides a sense of increased safety for the community.

How To Keep Safe in Retford

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be particularly vigilant in crowded areas and when walking alone at night. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Report any suspicious activity to the police. Due to the frequency of anti-social behaviour, consider joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme to foster community cohesion and share information. Criminal damage is also a concern, so ensure your property is well-lit and secure. Finally, for vehicle crime prevention, park in well-lit areas and consider using a steering wheel lock.

Criminal activity in Retford demonstrates a varied pattern throughout the day. Burglary is most frequently reported in the afternoon (17%), while theft peaks during commercial hours. Vehicle crime is notably higher during the night hours (37% between 12am and 6am), suggesting a vulnerability during these times. Violence and sexual offences, while less frequent, show a tendency to occur during the evening hours, particularly on weekends. Understanding these patterns can help residents be more aware and proactive in their safety measures.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Retford’s crime rate is variable. Clarborough has a significantly lower rate at 39.4 per 1,000, while Sutton cum Lound and Gamston report no recorded crimes. These stark differences underscore the localised nature of crime and highlight the importance of understanding specific area characteristics.

Traditional CCTV systems often serve as a reactive measure, simply recording incidents after they’ve occurred. scOS offers a proactive approach to home security. Its multi-camera intelligence system monitors all cameras simultaneously, detecting potential threats at your property boundary before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly identifies suspicious vehicles, and the pattern-learning technology distinguishes between familiar faces – family members, delivery drivers – and genuine threats. This prevents false alarms and ensures you’re only alerted to real risks. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; the visible deterrence of scOS can be enough to make them move on, preventing crime entirely. While DIY security systems have their place, a professional-grade system like scOS offers a level of protection that is difficult to replicate.