The level of police presence and visibility in Silsoe, a built-up area in Central Bedfordshire with a population of 3,420, is a complex issue tied to broader crime statistics and response times. While Silsoe boasts a significantly lower crime rate than the UK average, understanding how quickly police respond is vital for resident safety.
Silsoe's crime rate stands at 41.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This contributes to a commendable safety score of 91 out of 100, significantly higher than the UK average of 79. However, the effectiveness of police presence isn’t solely about the raw crime rate; it’s also about how swiftly police can respond to incidents.
Data from 2024 indicates the mean police immediate response time in Silsoe is 19 minutes. This refers to responses to incidents requiring urgent attention. For priority responses, which cover a broader range of situations, the mean response time is 116 minutes. These figures represent the average time taken for police to respond and do not reflect individual incident circumstances or the availability of resources at any given time. Factors like location, severity of the incident, and ongoing operational demands influence response times.
It is important to note that these are mean response times; individual incidents will vary. While the lower crime rate is a positive indicator, residents should still be aware of these response times and understand how to report incidents effectively. The Central Bedfordshire Police force is responsible for policing Silsoe, and information on local policing initiatives and contact details can be found on their website. Community engagement, such as participation in neighbourhood watch schemes, can also contribute to a greater sense of security and facilitate communication between residents and the police.