The retail crime situation in New Houghton, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Bolsover with a population of 2,580, presents a picture slightly above the national average. The crime rate stands at 92.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the UK average is 91.6 per 1,000. This indicates a marginally higher risk of retail crime compared to the broader UK landscape.
While the crime rate is only slightly higher, it's important to consider the context of a smaller population. A few more incidents can disproportionately impact the perceived safety of a community. The safety score for New Houghton is 79 out of 100, which is consistent with the UK average of 79. This suggests that while crime is present, residents generally feel a reasonable level of safety.
It's crucial to understand that 'retail crime' encompasses a broad range of offences, including shoplifting, vandalism, fraud, and employee theft. Without more granular data, it's difficult to pinpoint the specific types of retail crime most prevalent in New Houghton. However, the elevated crime rate suggests that retailers should be particularly vigilant.
Retailers in New Houghton should consider implementing preventative measures such as visible CCTV, increased staff presence, and improved stock management. Reporting all incidents to the police is essential for accurate data collection and allows authorities to identify patterns and allocate resources effectively. Community watch schemes can also be beneficial in fostering a sense of shared responsibility and deterring criminal activity. Residents can also play a role by remaining aware of their surroundings and reporting suspicious behaviour.
Although the safety score matches the UK average, the slightly higher crime rate necessitates proactive measures to maintain and improve the security of retail businesses and the overall wellbeing of the community in New Houghton.