The question of whether there are concerns about shoplifting in Higham (Gravesham) is a valid one, and it's important to examine the available data to understand the situation. Based on current figures, Higham, which is classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Gravesham district, has a crime rate of 41.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents.
While this lower crime rate is encouraging, it doesn't negate the possibility of shoplifting occurring. Shoplifting, like other crimes, can impact businesses and residents. The fact that a crime rate exists at all suggests that incidents do occur, even if infrequently compared to other areas. The population of Higham is 2447, meaning that the total number of reported crimes would be roughly 101 (calculated as 41.3/1000 * 2447). It's important to remember that this figure represents reported crimes and doesn’t account for incidents that may not have been reported.
Crucially, Higham boasts a safety score of 90/100, which is considerably higher than the UK average of 79. A higher safety score indicates a greater perception of safety among residents and suggests a generally secure environment. This score provides a broader context for interpreting the crime rate data. While a crime rate is a numerical representation of incidents, the safety score reflects the community's feeling of security.
It is important to remember that crime data can fluctuate, and this data represents a snapshot in time. Ongoing vigilance and community engagement are crucial in maintaining the safety and security of Higham. Local businesses should be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities.