The question of whether shoplifting incidents are increasing or decreasing in Matlock requires a careful look at the available data. Currently, the crime rate in Matlock, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Derbyshire Dales, stands at 94.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is marginally higher than the United Kingdom’s average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000.
Crucially, the trend in Matlock is reported as 'stable,' indicating a year-on-year (YoY) change of just 2.6%. This suggests that shoplifting, alongside other crimes, hasn’t experienced a significant surge or decline. While a 2.6% increase isn't negligible, it doesn't represent a dramatic shift in the level of shoplifting activity.
It's important to consider the context of the safety score. Matlock has a safety score of 79 out of 100, which is identical to the UK average. This suggests that, overall, residents perceive Matlock as reasonably safe, despite the slightly elevated crime rate. The population of Matlock is 11,179, so the absolute number of shoplifting incidents, while not provided, would be relatively small given the population size. A stable trend of 2.6% suggests a consistent level of risk, rather than a rapidly escalating or improving situation.
While the data points to stability, it's worth noting that local perceptions of safety can vary. Factors such as specific locations, types of businesses, and individual experiences can influence how safe people feel. For residents and businesses in Matlock, this stability provides a degree of reassurance, but continued vigilance and proactive crime prevention measures remain important.