Shoplifting incidents in Church, Hyndburn, are currently on a downward trend. To provide context, Church is a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 3731. The overall crime rate in Church stands at 153.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This elevated crime rate contributes to a lower safety score for Church, currently at 65 out of 100, compared to the UK average of 79.
The most encouraging aspect is the recent trend in shoplifting. Data indicates a decrease of 16.7% year-on-year. While the exact number of incidents isn't specified, this reduction suggests improvements in crime prevention measures or a change in criminal behaviour within the area. It’s important to note that the overall crime rate remains high, meaning other types of crime may still be a concern.
Understanding this trend requires considering the broader context of crime statistics. Although shoplifting is decreasing, the higher overall crime rate (153.9 per 1,000) suggests that other criminal activities may be occurring at a higher frequency than the UK average. The safety score of 65 reflects this broader picture, indicating a perception of lower safety compared to the national average.
It’s crucial to remember that these statistics represent reported incidents and may not reflect the full extent of shoplifting activity. Local businesses and residents should remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to the police. Further investigation into the factors driving the decrease in shoplifting, and addressing the higher overall crime rate, would be beneficial for improving community safety in Church.