The question of whether Retford town centre is safe on weekend nights is a reasonable one, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Our analysis of Retford in Bassetlaw (a Built-Up Area with a population of 24,171) provides some insight. Overall, Retford's crime rate stands at 79.4 incidents per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 91.6. This suggests that, statistically, Retford experiences slightly less crime than the average town in the UK, resulting in a safety score of 81/100, compared to a UK average of 79.
However, the key factor when considering weekend nights is the ‘Night Safety Score’ which is a concerning 7/100. This indicates that residents and visitors perceive the area as less safe after dark. While the overall crime rate is relatively low, the violent crime rate is 30.8 per 1,000 people. It’s important to remember that these are aggregate figures and don’t necessarily reflect the experience of every individual. The night safety score is based on perceptions and reported incidents, suggesting potential issues such as increased antisocial behaviour or a feeling of unease during evening hours.
It's crucial to understand that these statistics represent a snapshot in time and are based on reported crime. They don't guarantee your personal safety. Factors such as police presence, lighting, and the behaviour of other individuals can all influence your experience. Therefore, while Retford benefits from a lower overall crime rate than the UK average, the low night safety score warrants caution and awareness, particularly when visiting the town centre on weekend evenings.