The question of whether shoplifting is a significant problem in Eccleston requires examining the available data. Eccleston, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Chorley, has a population of 4,849 people. Crucially, the overall crime rate in Eccleston stands at 35.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 people.
While this lower crime rate suggests a generally safe area, it doesn’t provide specific data on shoplifting alone. The overall crime rate encompasses a variety of offences. Therefore, we cannot definitively state the extent of shoplifting specifically. However, the high overall safety score of 92/100, compared to the UK average of 79, indicates a positive perception of safety within the community. A higher safety score reflects residents' feelings of security and a lower likelihood of experiencing crime.
It’s important to remember that crime statistics represent reported incidents. Underreporting can influence these figures, meaning the actual prevalence of shoplifting might be slightly higher. However, given the context of the low overall crime rate and the high safety score, it's reasonable to infer that shoplifting, while present, is unlikely to be a dominant or exceptionally pressing issue compared to other areas in the UK. Local police initiatives and community watch schemes can also contribute to deterring shoplifting and other crimes. Further local inquiries with businesses within Eccleston would provide more granular data on the specific issue of shoplifting.