Yes, there has been a noticeable and concerning trend of increasing shoplifting incidents in Y Felinheli, Gwynedd. Located within a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 2332, Y Felinheli currently has a crime rate of 64.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. However, the significant factor is the year-on-year (YoY) increase, which stands at a substantial 37.6%.
This means that shoplifting incidents have risen considerably compared to the previous year. While Y Felinheli boasts a respectable safety score of 83 out of 100 – higher than the UK average of 79 – this upward trend in shoplifting presents a potential cause for concern. It’s important to contextualise this data; a smaller population like Y Felinheli’s can mean that even a relatively small number of incidents can have a proportionally larger impact on the crime rate per 1,000 residents.
It’s crucial to understand that a rising trend doesn't necessarily indicate a breakdown in community safety. It could be influenced by various factors, such as changes in reporting practices, increased police presence leading to more recorded incidents, or shifts in local economic conditions. However, regardless of the underlying cause, the 37.6% increase in shoplifting incidents is a clear signal that further attention is needed. Local businesses, in particular, should be aware of this trend and consider implementing preventative measures such as improved CCTV, increased staff visibility, and enhanced stock management. Residents are also encouraged to remain observant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police.