The primary concern regarding shoplifting in Wheatley Hill, County Durham, is the elevated crime rate compared to the national average. Data indicates a crime rate of 206.8 per 1,000 residents. This is considerably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. The population of Wheatley Hill, a Built-Up Area (BUA), is 2742, meaning the scale of shoplifting incidents is disproportionately impacting the community.
This high crime rate contributes to a lower safety score for Wheatley Hill, currently standing at 58 out of 100. The UK average safety score is 79, highlighting a notable difference in perceived safety and actual crime statistics. While the data doesn't provide specifics on the types of goods targeted in shoplifting incidents, the overall crime rate suggests a broader problem affecting local businesses and residents.
The disparity between Wheatley Hill’s crime rate and the national average implies several potential factors. These could include economic conditions, local policing strategies, or the presence of opportunistic criminals. It's important to note that crime rates can fluctuate, and this data represents a specific point in time. Further investigation would be needed to understand the underlying causes and develop targeted solutions. The high crime rate is a cause for concern and requires attention from both local authorities and the community to improve the safety and wellbeing of residents and businesses within Wheatley Hill.