Yes, there is a notable and concerning trend of increasing shoplifting incidents within East Hagbourne. Data reveals that the village, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 2338, has experienced a significant rise in shoplifting activity year-on-year. Specifically, shoplifting incidents have increased by 48.6% compared to the previous period.
While East Hagbourne's overall crime rate stands at 22.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, the recent spike in shoplifting is a cause for attention. It’s important to contextualise this rise within the broader safety profile of the area. East Hagbourne boasts a strong safety score of 95 out of 100, significantly above the UK average of 79. This indicates that, despite the increase in shoplifting, the village generally remains a safe place to live and work.
The precise causes behind this increase are not detailed within the available data, but potential factors could include economic pressures, changes in local retail practices, or increased opportunistic crime. It's important to remember that a percentage increase can appear substantial even from a low base number. Further investigation by local authorities would be needed to ascertain the underlying reasons.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police. Supporting local businesses and fostering a strong community spirit can also contribute to deterring crime. While the increase is concerning, the overall safety score remains a positive indicator for East Hagbourne.