Retford Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2023, Retford maintained a crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 16.7% below the UK average of 7.2. This consistent underperformance relative to national benchmarks suggests a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics shaping the area's crime profile. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (31% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (18.6%) and shoplifting (13.8%). This distribution highlights a notable balance between property and violent crime, with property crimes (62 incidents) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (45 incidents). The seasonal context of December—characterised by extended evenings, holiday shopping, and empty homes—likely contributes to patterns observed in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. However, the relatively low rate of violent crime compared to the UK average may reflect community cohesion or effective local policing strategies. The prominence of shoplifting, which was 63% above the UK average, aligns with the presence of retail centres and high streets in Retford, where seasonal demand for goods could drive opportunistic theft. Anti-social behaviour, while 18% above the UK average, may be influenced by the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces, where conflicts between different demographics could arise during the festive period. These trends illustrate a combination of local geography, seasonal rhythms, and community dynamics that shape Retford's crime picture.

December 2023 saw significant shifts in crime trends compared to November, with burglary and vehicle crime both increasing by over 40%. This rise in property-related offences may be linked to seasonal factors such as Christmas shopping, which could create opportunities for opportunistic theft. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 72.7%, reflecting reduced vandalism during the holiday season or increased community vigilance. The violent crime rate in Retford (1.9 per 1,000) was 27% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the 63% above average rate for shoplifting. This divergence suggests a localised suppression of violent crime, due to the town's character as a smaller built-up area within Bassetlaw, where community networks may deter interpersonal conflict. Anti-social behaviour remained a persistent issue, with rates 18% above the UK average. Residents should be aware that while violent crime is relatively low, property crime—particularly shoplifting—requires continued attention. The 63% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average underscores the need for retailers to implement robust security measures during peak shopping periods.

Retford's December 2023 crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents marked a 16.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.2, reflecting a meaningful improvement in local safety. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 5 crimes per day in December, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 145 incidents. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for roughly every 167 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many similar-sized towns in the UK. This statistic suggests that Retford's population of 24,171 is relatively insulated from crime compared to the national average, though the disparity in shoplifting rates highlights vulnerabilities in specific sectors. The comparison to the previous month also reveals a shift in crime patterns: while violent crime remained stable, property-related offences saw significant increases. This contrast may be attributed to the seasonal nature of December, where retail activity and holiday-related disruptions could create conditions conducive to property crime. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that while Retford's overall crime rate is lower than the UK average, targeted areas such as high streets and commercial zones face higher risks for certain offence types.