Retford Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Retford’s crime rate in July 2023 stood at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 13.3% above the UK average of 8.3. This figure, while elevated compared to national benchmarks, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. The top crime categories—violence and sexual offences (29.7% of total), shoplifting (22.1%), and anti-social behaviour (15.9%)—highlight a profile skewed towards property-related and public order incidents. Violence and sexual offences, at 2.8 per 1,000, align closely with the UK average but remain a persistent concern. Shoplifting, however, emerges as a stark outlier, with 2.1 per 1,000 incidents—250% above the UK rate—suggesting a unique challenge tied to Retford’s retail environment. Anti-social behaviour, though slightly above the UK average, decreased by 37.9% from June, possibly influenced by increased community engagement during summer events. July’s peak season, marked by school holidays and festivals, likely amplifies foot traffic in commercial zones, creating conditions for theft and disorder. The built-up area’s proximity to Bassetlaw’s industrial and residential mix may also contribute to these patterns, as retail hubs and community spaces become focal points for criminal activity. While the overall rate remains above national levels, the month-on-month decline from 10.0 per 1,000 in June indicates a potential stabilisation after a summer spike. This trend could be attributed to seasonal moderation, though further analysis is needed to confirm whether this reflects sustained improvements or temporary fluctuations.

July 2023 marked a sharp rise in vehicle crime, surging 350% from 2 to 9 incidents—a jump that could reflect increased summer travel or festival-related activity. Robbery, though rare, saw a 100% increase from 0 to 1 incident, a spike that may signal isolated but notable shifts in criminal behaviour. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 37.9% (58 to 36), a drop that may correlate with improved policing during peak tourism periods. Shoplifting, at 2.1 per 1,000 residents, remains 250% above the UK average, underscoring Retford’s unique challenge in retail crime prevention. This stark contrast to the UK’s 0.6 per 1,000 average highlights the need for targeted interventions in high-footfall areas. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson dropped by 46.2% (26 to 14), linked to reduced vandalism during summer months when outdoor spaces are more actively monitored. These fluctuations illustrate how local conditions—such as Retford’s retail presence and seasonal tourism—shape crime patterns differently than national trends.

July 2023 saw Retford’s crime rate fall to 9.4 per 1,000 residents, a 6.6% decrease from June’s 10.0 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the built-up area’s monthly statistics, suggesting potential seasonal moderation after peak summer activity. Daily crime numbers averaged 7 incidents per day, a figure that, while consistent with Retford’s historical patterns, remains lower than the UK average for similar-sized towns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 107 residents—a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents in a population of 24,171. This monthly exposure rate, though modest, reflects the concentrated nature of certain crime types, such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which dominate local reports. The comparison to the UK average further highlights Retford’s distinct profile: while violent crime rates are only 1% above national figures, property-related offences like shoplifting are 250% higher, indicating a localised challenge not mirrored in most areas. This disparity may stem from Retford’s retail infrastructure and high street dynamics, which create conditions for targeted thefts.