The level of police presence in Washbrook, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Babergh, and its contribution to crime prevention is a complex topic best understood by examining available data. Washbrook, with a population of 1678, currently exhibits a crime rate of 65.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. The area also boasts a safety score of 84 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79, further reinforcing this perception.
While the presence of visible officers isn't directly quantifiable from the provided data, the effectiveness of police response is reflected in their response times. In 2024, the mean immediate response time for police in Washbrook is 13 minutes. A priority response, which deals with less urgent but still important matters, has a mean response time of 50 minutes. These figures indicate the time it takes for police to reach the scene of an incident, and while not ideal, they provide a baseline for performance.
It’s important to note that response times can be influenced by numerous factors including the distance to incidents, availability of resources, and the nature of the call. The impact of police presence extends beyond simply responding to incidents. Preventative patrols, community engagement, and proactive policing strategies all contribute to deterring crime and fostering a sense of security. However, without specific details on these preventative measures within Washbrook, it’s difficult to assess their full impact. The lower crime rate and higher safety score compared to the UK average suggests that the combination of police response and other preventative measures is having a positive effect on community safety in Washbrook.