Retford Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Retford's overall crime rate for February 2025 stood at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 10.4% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.7. This performance positions the area as one of the safer built-up regions in England. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.2% of all recorded incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.9%) and shoplifting (12.4%). These figures align with the seasonal dynamics typical of a winter month, when outdoor activity declines and indoor spaces become more densely populated. The lower-than-average rate of violent crime—2.2 per 1,000 compared to the UK's 2.4—suggests effective community policing or environmental factors that may contribute to reduced conflict. However, the prominence of anti-social behaviour, which is 13% above the UK average, indicates persistent challenges in managing public conduct, possibly linked to local social gatherings or housing conditions. The relatively low burglary rate—0.2 per 1,000 versus the UK's 0.3—could reflect robust residential security measures or a lower density of commercial properties. These patterns, combined with the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity, suggest that February's crime profile reflects both the area's inherent characteristics and the transitional nature of the season.

February 2025 saw significant shifts in Retford's crime profile, with shoplifting increasing by 100% from 9 to 18 incidents—a stark contrast to the 70.6% decline in burglary, which dropped from 17 to 5. This divergence highlights a potential reallocation of criminal activity from property to retail spaces, possibly driven by seasonal shopping patterns or changes in enforcement focus. The 100% rise in theft from the person, from 0 to 1 incident, although statistically minimal, warrants attention given its 100% deficit compared to the UK average. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained elevated at 13% above the UK average, underscoring a persistent local challenge. The sharp 66.7% drop in other crime—from 9 to 3—may indicate successful interventions in addressing non-specific offences. For residents, the 12.4% share of shoplifting in total crimes offers a tangible insight: retail outlets may need to enhance surveillance or adjust staffing during this period. These fluctuations, while modest in absolute terms, illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in a built-up area where community engagement and environmental design play pivotal roles in shaping outcomes.

Retford's February 2025 crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents represented an 11.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.8, reflecting a downward trend in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with local patterns, remains lower than the UK average when scaled to population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 167 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable urban centres. With a population of 24,171, this statistic translates to a manageable level of risk for residents, particularly when contrasted with the UK-wide average. The 11.5% monthly reduction aligns with the seasonal context of February—a time when colder weather and shorter daylight hours typically suppress outdoor crime. However, the persistence of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting suggests that certain local factors, such as community density or commercial activity, continue to influence crime patterns independently of broader seasonal trends. These figures, when contextualised against Retford's population and geographic profile, illustrate a balance between environmental moderation and localized challenges that require targeted policing strategies.