Retford Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For an area with 24,171 residents, Retford recorded 233 crimes in May 2023, equating to a crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 people. This places Retford 20% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a notable deviation that reflects local patterns. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (31.8% of total), anti-social behaviour (24.5%), and criminal damage and arson (12.0%). These figures suggest a persistent challenge in managing public order and addressing community tensions. The seasonal context of May—longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to the elevated rates of violence and anti-social behaviour, as these activities tend to coincide with higher levels of alcohol consumption and public interaction. While the area is not typically associated with high levels of property crime, the data highlights a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as local pubs or public spaces where anti-social behaviour is concentrated. The overall crime rate, while concerning, remains within a range that is not uncommon for urban centres of similar size, though the sharp divergence from the UK average warrants closer examination of local factors. The breakdown of crimes also reveals a stark contrast between property-related offences and violent crimes, with the latter dominating the statistics. This imbalance may indicate a need for enhanced community policing strategies focused on conflict resolution and early intervention in areas prone to disputes.

May 2023 saw significant fluctuations in crime types, with burglary increasing by 125% compared to the previous month, from 4 to 9 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in drug-related offences and possession of weapons, suggests a potential shift in criminal activity patterns that could be linked to seasonal factors or changes in enforcement priorities. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 53.6%, from 56 to 26 cases, a marked decline that may reflect the impact of local retail initiatives or increased awareness among shopkeepers. Other crime also fell by 50%, from 10 to 5, though this category remains above the UK average by 43%. The data also reveals that anti-social behaviour in Retford was 80% higher than the UK average, with 57 incidents reported—far exceeding the national benchmark of 1.3 per 1,000. This disparity underscores the need for targeted community engagement to address underlying issues driving such behaviour. Meanwhile, vehicle crime was 56% below the UK average, a statistic that may reflect the area’s limited reliance on car-based transport or effective local deterrents. For residents, the most immediate concern is the sharp rise in burglary, which now stands at 9 incidents—a 125% increase from April. This could signal a growing vulnerability in residential areas, warranting increased surveillance or community safety measures.

Retford’s crime rate in May 2023 (9.6 per 1,000) was a 4.5% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 10.1, indicating a slight downward trend in overall criminal activity. However, this reduction does not bring the rate closer to the UK average, which remains at 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, Retford experienced approximately 8 crimes per day in May, a figure that provides context for the frequency of incidents within the community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 104 residents, highlighting the scale of exposure for individuals living in the area. While the monthly rate has decreased from April, the persistent gap between Retford’s figures and the UK average suggests that local conditions—such as socioeconomic factors or demographic trends—continue to influence crime patterns. The population context further illustrates that, despite the relatively low number of crimes (233), the rate is high when compared to national benchmarks. This discrepancy may be attributed to Retford’s status as a built-up area within Bassetlaw, where urban density and social dynamics could contribute to higher rates of certain offences. The comparison also reveals that while some categories, like other theft and vehicle crime, are below the UK average, the overall profile of Retford’s crime remains distinct from the national picture, necessitating tailored approaches to crime prevention and community support.