The retail crime situation in Rural Swansea's local shops can be assessed by examining the available data. The area, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Rural Swansea, has a population of 13,671. Crucially, the crime rate stands at 57.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the United Kingdom's average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000.
This lower crime rate suggests that, on average, shops in Rural Swansea experience less crime than shops across the rest of the UK. However, it's important to remember that 'retail crime' encompasses a wide range of offences, from shoplifting and vandalism to more serious crimes like burglary. The provided data doesn’t specify the types of crimes occurring; therefore, it is impossible to determine the precise nature of retail crime impacting local businesses.
Adding to this positive outlook is Rural Swansea’s safety score of 86 out of 100. This is significantly higher than the UK average safety score of 79. A higher safety score suggests a greater perception of safety amongst residents and potentially a lower incidence of crime overall. This score is a composite measure and reflects the general feeling of safety within the area, which can influence the security felt by local shop owners and customers alike.
While the statistics are reassuring compared to the UK average, it is essential for retailers in Rural Swansea to remain proactive. Implementing standard security measures like CCTV, adequate lighting, and staff training can help deter crime and provide evidence if incidents do occur. Building strong relationships with the local police and community watch groups can also enhance security and provide valuable support. It is also worth noting that these are aggregate figures and specific locations within Rural Swansea may experience varying levels of retail crime.