Retford Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Retford's crime rate stood at 10.1 per 1,000 residents, a figure 34.7% higher than the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This places the area in a distinct position compared to the national profile, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 27.1% of all recorded crimes—2.7 per 1,000 residents, 4% above the UK average. Shoplifting, at 2.3 per 1,000, represented a stark 379% excess over the national rate, while anti-social behaviour followed closely at 2.2 per 1,000, 86% above the UK average. These figures suggest a pattern of concentrated issues in retail and public spaces, potentially linked to Retford's built-up nature and high foot traffic. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and spring weather—may have influenced these trends, with increased outdoor activity and social interactions likely contributing to higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour. Conversely, the relatively low rates of vehicle crime and burglary (0.2 per 1,000 each) suggest that residential areas may be more secure, though this could also reflect the absence of commuter hubs or high-value vehicle concentrations. The data also highlights the disproportionate impact of specific crimes: for instance, shoplifting's extreme deviation from the UK average implies systemic challenges in retail environments, tied to local economic factors or policing strategies. These insights, when contextualised through the lens of daily life, reveal that a resident in Retford faces a 1-in-99 chance of encountering a reported crime over the course of a month—a statistic that, while not overwhelming, underscores the need for targeted measures to address the most pressing issues.

April 2023 marked a notable 43.5% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 46 to 66 incidents. This surge may be linked to the Easter period, when increased outdoor activity and social gatherings could contribute to heightened tensions. Conversely, vehicle crime fell sharply by 66.7%, dropping from 12 to 4 cases—a shift influenced by seasonal changes in parking patterns or reduced outdoor activity during colder nights. Shoplifting also rose by 19.1%, with 56 incidents recorded, despite remaining far above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This category's 379% excess over the national rate suggests systemic issues in retail areas, tied to the town's built-up character and high foot traffic. Meanwhile, burglary and drugs-related crimes both declined, with burglary dropping 42.9% and drugs offences falling 50%, indicating possible local interventions or seasonal lulls in these categories.

Retford's crime rate in April 2023 remained stable at 10.1 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no abrupt shifts in criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 8 crimes per day, a figure that, while local, offers a tangible sense of frequency for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 99 residents, translating to a monthly exposure rate that underscores the need for vigilance. With a population of 24,171, this rate highlights how crime, though not overwhelming, remains a persistent concern for the community. The comparison to the UK average—where Retford's rate is 34.7% higher—emphasises the area's distinct challenges, particularly in violent and property crimes. This disparity may reflect local factors such as the built-up nature of the area, which could contribute to higher concentrations of certain offences compared to more rural or dispersed populations.