The question of whether shoplifting incidents are increasing or decreasing in Esher’s retail areas can be answered by examining the available crime data. For the area designated as BUA – Esher in Elmbridge, with a population of 9243, the current crime rate stands at 59.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Esher also boasts a commendable safety score of 86 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79.
Specifically concerning shoplifting, the trend for shoplifting incidents in Esher shows a slight increase of 2.4% year-on-year. This indicates that, while the overall crime rate is stable, there’s been a small rise in reported shoplifting cases within the retail areas. It's important to understand that a 2.4% increase, while representing a change, doesn't necessarily indicate a significant or alarming surge. The overall context of the area’s safety score and crime rate remain favourable.
It’s crucial to consider the broader picture. The relatively low crime rate (59.6 vs. the UK average of 91.6) and the high safety score (86 vs. 79) suggest that Esher remains a safe place. The year-on-year increase in shoplifting incidents, while worth noting, is occurring within a framework of general stability. The data covers a specific period and does not reflect long-term trends beyond that timeframe. Further investigation might be needed to understand the specific reasons behind the slight increase in shoplifting, but at present, it doesn't fundamentally alter the area's overall safety profile.