The primary retail crime challenges facing businesses in Wigston, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Oadby and Wigston, are nuanced by the area's relatively favourable crime statistics. While Wigston boasts a population of 35,357 and a safety score of 82 out of 100 – above the UK average of 79 – understanding the specifics of retail crime remains vital for business owners.
Importantly, Wigston’s crime rate currently stands at 76.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This suggests that, overall, Wigston experiences less crime compared to the national picture. However, this average doesn't necessarily reflect the specific challenges faced by retail businesses.
Without further, more granular data breaking down the types of crime affecting retailers in Wigston (such as theft, fraud, or vandalism), it's difficult to pinpoint the exact dominant issues. Generally, retail businesses across the UK face challenges including shoplifting, employee theft, online fraud, and increasingly, organised retail crime. These challenges likely also affect businesses in Wigston, albeit potentially to a lesser degree given the comparatively lower crime rate.
Despite the lower overall crime rate, it's vital that Wigston businesses remain proactive. Visible security measures, such as CCTV and security personnel, can deter potential offenders. Staff training focused on loss prevention techniques and recognising suspicious behaviour is also crucial. Furthermore, prompt and accurate reporting of any incidents to the police allows for effective investigation and potential preventative measures. Regularly reviewing the overall crime rate statistic (76.5 per 1,000) and any available local crime data can help businesses adapt their security strategies and contribute to a safer retail environment within the Wigston community.