The question of whether shoplifting is a significant issue in Wickham Bishops requires a nuanced look at the available data. Based on current figures, Wickham Bishops, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Maldon with a population of 2111, exhibits a relatively low crime rate of 22.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is substantially lower than the United Kingdom’s average crime rate, which stands at 91.6 incidents per 1,000 people. This suggests that, overall, Wickham Bishops is a very safe area.
However, the specific prevalence of shoplifting within that overall crime rate isn't detailed in the provided data. While we know shoplifting contributes to the total crime figure, we cannot determine its proportion. It's important to remember that a low overall crime rate doesn't necessarily mean shoplifting is absent; it simply indicates that it's less frequent than in other areas.
Furthermore, Wickham Bishops scores highly on safety, with a safety score of 94 out of 100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 79. This high safety score reflects the general perception of safety and security within the community. A high safety score suggests residents feel safe, which is a crucial factor in community wellbeing.
Without specific data on shoplifting incidents within Wickham Bishops, it's difficult to definitively label it as a ‘significant’ issue. While it undoubtedly occurs as part of the broader crime landscape, the overall low crime rate and high safety score suggest it is not a particularly pressing concern compared to other areas. Further investigation would be needed to quantify the extent of shoplifting and its impact on local businesses and residents.