Shoplifting in Ingatestone, a built-up area within Brentwood, has been experiencing a downward trend. Currently, the crime rate stands at 42.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. To put this into perspective, the UK average is considerably higher, at 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This indicates that Ingatestone is demonstrably safer than the national average in terms of shoplifting.
The most recent data shows a year-on-year (YoY) decrease of 8.1% in shoplifting incidents. This is a positive sign for the community and suggests that preventative measures or increased vigilance may be contributing to the decline. Ingatestone's safety score is also comparatively high, registering at 90 out of 100, significantly above the UK average of 79. This combined score reinforces the perception of Ingatestone as a relatively safe place.
While the decrease is welcome, it's important to understand the context. The population of Ingatestone is 4562, meaning that the 42.3 incidents represent a small number of occurrences overall. However, even seemingly minor incidents can impact local businesses and community wellbeing. The downward trend is encouraging, but continued vigilance and proactive crime prevention strategies remain crucial. Further investigation into the specific factors driving this decrease (e.g., increased police presence, improved security measures in local shops, community initiatives) would be beneficial in sustaining this positive momentum. It is vital to remember that crime statistics represent reported incidents and may not reflect the full extent of the problem.