Shopkeepers in Crowhurst, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Rother, have legitimate concerns regarding crime, primarily due to the area's crime rate being significantly higher than the national average. The current crime rate in Crowhurst stands at 48.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, whereas the UK average is 91.6 per 1,000. This disparity suggests a heightened risk of criminal activity within the Crowhurst area.
While a safety score of 86/100 indicates a relatively safe environment overall, the elevated crime rate remains a key concern for business owners. It’s important to understand that a safety score is a composite measure, and a high score doesn’t negate the impact of a higher crime rate. The population of Crowhurst is 1453, meaning approximately 71 incidents of crime have occurred within the area, based on the provided rate.
These concerns likely manifest in worries about theft, vandalism, and potentially even more serious offences. The higher crime rate suggests that shopkeepers may be experiencing increased losses due to shoplifting, damage to property, and the need for heightened security measures. It's reasonable for them to feel apprehensive about the safety of their businesses and staff.
It's important to note that the specific types of crime prevalent in Crowhurst aren’t detailed in the data provided. However, given the higher crime rate, shopkeepers might benefit from proactive measures such as: installing visible CCTV, improving external lighting, encouraging staff to be vigilant, and participating in local community watch schemes. Further investigation into the nature of the crimes occurring in Crowhurst would allow for more targeted preventative strategies.