The question of whether burglaries are more common in residential or near commercial properties in Oakham, Rutland, requires careful consideration of available data. While specific breakdowns of burglary locations (residential vs. commercial) aren’t available within the provided data, we can analyse the overall property crime rate to gain some insight.
Oakham, classified as a BUA (Built-Up Area) with a population of 14,664, exhibits a property crime rate of 16.9 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate, which sits at 91.6 per 1,000. The area also boasts a safety score of 89/100, again exceeding the UK average of 79, suggesting a relatively safe environment.
Without granular data separating residential and commercial burglaries, it’s impossible to definitively state which area experiences more incidents. Burglary patterns often reflect a combination of factors, including proximity to transport links, the value of properties in an area, and the level of security measures in place. Commercial properties may hold more valuable goods, potentially making them targets, while residential areas might be perceived as easier targets depending on their layout and security.
It’s important to note the overall crime rate for Oakham is 48.7 per 1,000, which is also significantly lower than the UK average. This suggests that while property crime exists, it's less prevalent than in many other areas of the country. Local police forces often use intelligence-led policing to target areas with higher crime rates, regardless of whether they are residential or commercial. Therefore, it’s plausible that both residential and commercial areas receive targeted security interventions.
To mitigate the risk of burglary, regardless of location, residents and business owners should prioritise robust security measures, including strong locks, alarm systems, and participation in neighbourhood watch schemes. Staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities is also crucial in maintaining a safe and secure environment in Oakham.