Determining whether shoplifting is a 'significant' issue in Belford requires examining the available data and comparing it to national averages. The data shows that Belford, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Northumberland with a population of 1965, has a crime rate of 48.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. Belford’s safety score is also notably high at 90 out of 100, compared to the UK average of 79.
While the overall crime rate is low, it's important to consider the types of crimes reported. The provided data doesn’t specify the breakdown of crime types, so it's impossible to state definitively how much shoplifting contributes to the total. However, shoplifting, by its nature, is often underreported, meaning the actual incidence may be higher than official figures suggest. It’s likely that shoplifting, along with other petty crimes, is part of the 48.4 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Given Belford's relatively small population, even a small number of shoplifting incidents can have a disproportionate impact on local businesses and community perception of safety. It’s crucial to remember that crime rates are averages, and individual experiences can vary greatly. The high safety score suggests that Belford generally feels safe, but proactive measures to prevent crime, including shoplifting, are still important. Local businesses may implement security measures such as CCTV and increased staffing to deter theft. Residents and visitors can also contribute by being aware of their surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity to the police.