The current trend in retail crime within Ringwood, New Forest, is decreasing. Data indicates a substantial reduction of 17.7% year-on-year. This positive shift contributes to Ringwood's overall safety score of 84 out of 100, which is higher than the UK average of 79. Understanding this trend requires considering the context of Ringwood’s demographic and crime statistics.
Ringwood, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA), has a population of 12,702. While the overall crime rate in Ringwood is 67.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, this is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests Ringwood is comparatively safer than many areas across the United Kingdom. The significant decrease in retail crime, specifically, demonstrates a positive development for local businesses and residents alike.
It’s important to note that the 'crime rate' figure represents the number of reported crimes per 1,000 people. This metric allows for a standardised comparison between different areas, regardless of population size. While the decrease is welcome, it's crucial for businesses to maintain robust security measures. These may include CCTV, staff training in crime prevention, and proactive engagement with local police. Further data regarding the specific types of retail crime decreasing would provide a more granular understanding of this positive trend, however, the overall downward trajectory is a reassuring indicator of improved safety within Ringwood. The high safety score reinforces the perception of Ringwood as a relatively safe place, further supported by the decreasing retail crime figures.