Retford Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Retford

Retford records an overall crime rate of 83.4 per 1,000 residents annually, which is notably lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The town boasts a strong safety score of 81 out of 100, surpassing the national average safety score of 78. Encouragingly, recent data indicates a decreasing crime trend in Retford, with a significant year-over-year reduction of 11.4%. This detailed overview aims to provide residents and those considering the area with a clear understanding of local crime patterns and safety considerations.

Crime Type Analysis in Retford

In Retford, violence and sexual offences represent the most frequent crime type, accounting for 35.6% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 29.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, making up 17.0% of crimes with a rate of 14.2 per 1,000. Shoplifting ranks third, contributing 10.5% of offences at 8.7 per 1,000, reflecting its commercial presence.

Property-related crime, encompassing categories such as burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at a rate of 30.1 per 1,000 residents. This is below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Key components of property crime include criminal damage and arson at 7.2 per 1,000, other theft at 5.0 per 1,000, and vehicle crime at 4.5 per 1,000. Burglary, at 3.6 per 1,000, also contributes to the overall figure. While the property crime rate is lower than the national average, residents and homeowners in Retford are still advised to maintain vigilance and consider robust security measures to protect their property and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Retford

Retford has experienced a positive crime trend, with a significant year-over-year decrease of 11.4%. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The rate started at 8.1 in October 2024 and generally saw a downward trajectory, reaching a low of 5.1 in August 2025. There were minor increases in certain months, such as May and July 2025, but the overall pattern points to a sustained reduction in crime. This decreasing trend is encouraging for residents, suggesting an improving safety landscape within the town, though continued awareness of monthly variations remains prudent.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Retford

Crime patterns in Retford reveal variations across the day. During morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent at 38%, with vehicle crime also significant at 18%. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees a continued high proportion of theft, accounting for 42% of crimes, alongside burglary at 22%. In the evening (6pm-12am), there is a notable shift, with 'Other' crimes rising to 49%, while theft reduces to 16% and vehicle crime stands at 17%. Night-time (12am-6am) is particularly affected by vehicle crime, which makes up 40% of offences, and burglary at 21%, reflecting vulnerabilities when properties are unattended. These patterns highlight distinct periods of risk for different crime types.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

Retford's crime statistics can be better understood by comparing them to its immediate neighbours. With an overall crime rate of 83.4 per 1,000, Retford presents a generally safer profile than the UK average. When compared to surrounding areas such as Clarborough, Sutton cum Lound, Gamston (Bassetlaw), and Lound, Retford's urban nature means it might experience different crime dynamics. These smaller, often more rural, communities typically have lower crime rates due to population density and activity levels. This comparison highlights Retford's position as a relatively safe urban centre within the Bassetlaw district, offering a sense of security that stands up well against both national and local benchmarks.

Home Security and Protection in Retford

Given Retford's property crime rate of 30.1 per 1,000 residents, which is below the UK average, the town benefits from a comparatively lower risk of property-related offences. However, vigilance remains important for all homeowners. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV cameras, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting as a reactive record rather than a preventative barrier.

For those seeking genuine protection, a proactive approach is essential. AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime before it happens. Instead of merely recording an incident, scOS detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence that watches all cameras simultaneously. This system learns your routines, identifying family and deliveries, and only alerts you to real threats. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify fake number plates, adding another layer of deterrence. When a threat is detected, scOS can trigger an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers to destroy the element of surprise, making burglars decide within 60 seconds that your property is not an easy target. While DIY systems have their place, professional-grade equipment like scOS signals serious protection, offering a level of prevention that goes far beyond merely documenting a crime. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for potential intruders – they move on.