The question of whether there are concerns about shoplifting in St Mary's Bay, Folkestone and Hythe is understandable, and it's important to examine the available data to understand the situation. Based on current figures, St Mary's Bay, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 2550, has a crime rate of 51.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000.
However, a lower crime rate doesn't necessarily equate to a complete absence of concern. Shoplifting, while not exclusively highlighted in the overall crime data, contributes to the reported incidents. The overall safety score for St Mary's Bay is 86 out of 100, which is also higher than the UK average of 79. This suggests a generally safe environment, but the specific prevalence of shoplifting within that context remains a factor to consider.
It’s crucial to remember that crime rates represent reported incidents and may not capture the full picture of perceived safety. Factors beyond raw numbers, such as the types of crimes committed and the effectiveness of local policing, influence residents’ feelings of security. While the crime rate is lower than the national average, any increase in shoplifting can negatively impact local businesses and residents’ sense of security. It is important for residents and business owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Further investigation into the specific types of crimes reported in St Mary's Bay would provide a more granular understanding of the situation, but the provided data suggests that while concerns are understandable, the area generally exhibits a relatively good level of safety compared to the rest of the UK.