The question of whether retail crime rates are increasing or decreasing in Woodley is a common concern for residents and business owners. Fortunately, the data indicates a positive trend: retail crime rates are decreasing. Woodley, classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Wokingham, currently has a crime rate of 42.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, suggesting a relatively safe environment for retail operations.
More importantly, the trend demonstrates a year-on-year decrease of 8.8%. This decline indicates that efforts to combat retail crime are proving effective. While the specific factors contributing to this decrease aren't detailed in the available data, it suggests a combination of proactive policing, community engagement, and potentially, robust preventative measures implemented by local businesses.
To put this in context, Woodley’s safety score is 90 out of 100, far exceeding the UK average of 79. This high safety score reinforces the perception of Woodley as a secure place for both residents and commercial activity. It is important to remember that these figures represent reported crimes and may not fully capture the extent of all retail crime incidents. However, they provide a valuable indicator of the overall trend and the relative safety of the area. The population of Woodley is 26,856, meaning the overall crime rate impacts a substantial number of residents and businesses. Continued monitoring of crime statistics and proactive engagement with local authorities are vital to sustain this downward trend and ensure the continued safety and security of Woodley’s retail sector.