The retail crime situation in Ashington, Northumberland, is a matter of concern when viewed against national averages. Based on available data, Ashington (a Built-Up Area or BUA with a population of 28,295) has a crime rate of 152.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000. This indicates a heightened risk of criminal activity within the area.
The safety score for Ashington is 65 out of 100, considerably lower than the UK average of 79. This score reflects the perceived level of safety within the community, and the difference from the national average underscores the challenges businesses and residents face. It's important to note that a lower safety score doesn't necessarily imply widespread violence, but rather a higher incidence of various crimes, including those impacting retail businesses.
While the data doesn’t specify the types of crimes contributing to this higher rate, retail crime typically includes theft (shoplifting), criminal damage, fraud, and sometimes, more serious offences. The elevated crime rate suggests that retailers in Ashington may experience more frequent incidents, potentially leading to financial losses, increased insurance premiums, and a negative impact on business operations. The higher crime rate compared to the UK average indicates a need for increased vigilance and proactive security measures by businesses operating within Ashington. Understanding the context of these statistics is crucial; this data provides a snapshot and doesn’t necessarily reflect a recent dramatic shift, but rather an ongoing trend that needs to be addressed.