The question of whether shops in Blaby and Whetstone are experiencing a rise in shoplifting incidents is a valid concern for business owners. Understanding the local crime landscape requires a closer look at the available data. The area of Blaby and Whetstone, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Blaby district, has a population of 14,927.
Crucially, the crime rate in Blaby and Whetstone stands at 64.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This suggests that, overall, the area experiences less crime than the average across the country. A safety score of 85 out of 100 further reinforces this perception, again exceeding the UK average safety score of 79.
However, the data doesn’t specify whether shoplifting is increasing or decreasing. While the overall crime rate is lower, it doesn't negate the possibility of localised spikes in shoplifting incidents within Blaby and Whetstone. It's important to remember that crime statistics represent overall trends and may not reflect the experience of every business.
To ascertain whether shoplifting is specifically on the rise, further, more granular data would be needed, such as a breakdown of crime types within the area. Local police reports, community safety forums, and business owner networks are valuable sources of this more detailed information. Businesses are encouraged to report all incidents of shoplifting to the police to ensure accurate crime data and potential resource allocation to address specific concerns. Proactive crime prevention measures, such as improved lighting, security cameras, and staff training, are always advisable, regardless of overall crime rates.