The question of whether there are concerns about shoplifting in Southbourne, Chichester, is a valid one, particularly when examining the available data. Southbourne, designated as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Chichester, has a population of 4,741. While the area boasts a commendable safety score of 88 out of 100 – significantly higher than the UK average of 79 – the crime rate itself is a point of consideration.
The crime rate in Southbourne currently stands at 54.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. It's important to interpret this figure carefully; while lower than the national average, it still represents a level of criminal activity within the BUA. While the data doesn't isolate shoplifting incidents specifically, it’s reasonable to assume that shoplifting contributes to the overall crime rate.
The higher safety score suggests that residents generally feel safe, and the area likely benefits from positive community factors. However, the crime rate, despite being below average, necessitates awareness. Businesses in Southbourne, in particular, should be mindful of potential shoplifting risks and consider implementing preventative measures, such as security cameras and staff training. Residents should also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. Further investigation would be required to determine the specific types of crimes contributing to the overall rate and the prevalence of shoplifting within that context. The relative safety score indicates that there are factors contributing to a sense of security that mitigate the impact of the crime rate, but ongoing vigilance remains important.