The question of whether there are noticeable trends in shoplifting incidents in the Rural Forest of Dean can be answered directly: the trend has been stable. Data for the Rural Forest of Dean (BUA) in Forest of Dean reveals a population of 16,137. The crime rate within this area currently stands at 48.6 incidents per 1,000 people, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests that, comparatively, the Rural Forest of Dean experiences fewer incidents of crime overall.
Further analysis indicates a year-on-year (YoY) decrease of 2.6% in shoplifting incidents. This slight reduction suggests a positive movement, though the overall trend remains classified as 'stable'. A 'stable' trend indicates that while there might be minor fluctuations, there isn’t a significant upward or downward movement in crime rates over time. The safety score for the Rural Forest of Dean is notably high, at 88 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. This reinforces the perception of a relatively safe environment within the area.
It’s important to understand that these figures represent reported incidents. There may be instances of shoplifting that go unreported, which could subtly influence the overall picture. The lower crime rate compared to the national average doesn't necessarily mean shoplifting is absent; rather, it indicates a lower prevalence of such incidents. The stability of the trend over the observed period suggests that existing preventative measures may be effective, or that the area's characteristics naturally contribute to lower crime rates. Continued monitoring of crime statistics will be necessary to confirm whether this stability persists and to identify any emerging patterns that might require further attention.