The retail crime situation in the Cotswold presents a picture of relative safety when compared to the broader United Kingdom. The crime rate within the Cotswold Local Authority District (LAD) stands at 59.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This suggests that the Cotswold experiences less crime overall.
Furthermore, the Cotswold boasts a safety score of 87 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. A higher safety score generally indicates a perception of greater safety and security among residents. While the specific types of retail crime affecting the Cotswold aren't detailed in the available data, the overall lower crime rate and higher safety score are encouraging indicators for businesses.
It’s important to note that these figures represent the overall crime rate and safety score. While the Cotswold demonstrates a safer environment, retail crime, encompassing theft, vandalism, and fraud, can still impact businesses. The data doesn't distinguish between types of crime, so it's crucial for retailers to remain vigilant and implement appropriate security measures. These might include CCTV, staff training on loss prevention, and collaboration with local police. The lower crime rate suggests a strong community presence and potentially effective local policing strategies, which could be leveraged to further enhance retail security. Businesses should consider engaging with local community initiatives to foster a safer environment for everyone. The population of the Cotswold is 91,661, which means that the 59.0 crime rate translates to approximately 542 incidents across the area.