Retford Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Retford's overall crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents in August 2023 places it 2.5% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This built-up area within Bassetlaw exhibits a distinct crime profile, with violence and sexual offences (36.8% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (19.5%) dominating the landscape. Shoplifting (17.4%) also stands out as a significant concern, occurring at a rate 133% above the UK average. These patterns align with Retford's character as a commuter town with retail hubs and a mix of residential and commercial zones. August, a peak holiday month, may contribute to seasonal fluctuations to the drop in shoplifting from 50 to 33 incidents compared to July. The balance between property and violent crimes remains relatively even, with property crimes accounting for 36.3% of the total. Violent crime rates (2.9 per 1,000) are 10% above the UK average, suggesting local factors such as nightlife activity or community dynamics may play a role. The area's lower burglary rates (0.3 per 1,000) contrast with the UK average, reflecting effective local policing or residential design features. As the summer season progresses, Retford's crime picture illustrates a combination of routine activity patterns and seasonal influences.

August 2023 saw a notable 62.5% decrease in public order offences, dropping from 16 to 6 incidents. This decline may reflect reduced summer events or heightened community engagement in local policing efforts. Conversely, other crime increased by 33.3%, rising from 3 to 4 incidents. Shoplifting, the third most common offence, fell by 34% (50 to 33 incidents) despite remaining 133% above the UK average. This reduction could indicate seasonal shifts in retail activity or improved store security measures. The violent crime rate (2.9 per 1,000) is 10% above the UK average, highlighting a localised challenge in addressing interpersonal conflicts. Anti-social behaviour (1.5 per 1,000) also exceeds the UK average by 4%, linked to the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson (0.6 per 1,000) are 5% below the UK average, suggesting effective vandalism prevention strategies. For residents, the 15.9% monthly decline in overall crime rates offers a tangible reassurance of improved safety trends.

Retford's crime rate in August 2023 (7.9 per 1,000) represents a 15.9% reduction from the previous month's rate of 9.4 per 1,000. This downward trend translates to roughly 6 crimes reported per day in the built-up area, a figure that contextualises the pace of daily life in a town with 24,171 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 127 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average for similar-sized communities. This reduction may be attributed to targeted policing efforts during the summer months or the natural ebb of seasonal crime patterns. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Retford's residents face a crime risk significantly lower than the national average, though localised challenges persist in certain offence categories. For instance, the 133% higher rate of shoplifting compared to the UK average underscores the need for tailored interventions in retail areas. These comparisons highlight both the progress made in reducing crime and the areas requiring continued attention to maintain this positive trajectory.