Determining whether shoplifting is a 'significant' issue for local businesses in Waltham requires considering the broader crime context. Waltham, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in North East Lincolnshire, has a population of 6,804. Crucially, its overall crime rate stands at 33.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a generally safe environment. However, the data doesn't isolate shoplifting as a specific crime category.
While the overall safety score for Waltham is a positive 92 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79, this doesn't negate the impact of shoplifting on individual businesses. Shoplifting, even when infrequent, can be disruptive and financially damaging to smaller businesses. The absence of specific shoplifting data means we can’t definitively quantify its prevalence, but it’s reasonable to assume it contributes to the overall crime rate.
It's important to remember that crime statistics can be influenced by reporting rates and police recording practices. A lower crime rate doesn't necessarily mean crime is absent; it could indicate better reporting or more effective crime prevention measures. Local businesses should proactively engage with the police and community watch schemes to share experiences and identify potential hotspots. Further investigation by local business owners and community groups would be needed to understand the specific challenges relating to shoplifting in Waltham. While the general area demonstrates a good safety score, targeted measures to address specific concerns like shoplifting remain vital for the wellbeing of local businesses.