The police presence in Westbourne, Chichester, can be assessed through several key metrics, providing a picture of how effectively the area is policed and how quickly assistance is available. Westbourne is classified as a Built-Up Area (BUA) with a population of 2381 residents.
One of the most significant factors is the crime rate, which currently stands at 52.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to many other areas across the country. This lower crime rate contributes to Westbourne's impressive safety score of 89 out of 100, again exceeding the UK average of 79.
However, understanding the police response times is crucial. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 16 minutes. An 'immediate' response generally signifies a situation requiring urgent attention, such as a crime in progress or a medical emergency. For 'priority' responses, the mean time is 107 minutes. Priority responses address situations that require police intervention but do not necessitate an immediate presence, such as investigating a non-urgent crime or dealing with a neighbourhood dispute.
It’s important to note that response times can be affected by various factors, including the availability of resources, the severity of incidents occurring elsewhere in the region, and the geographic challenges of the area. The longer priority response time suggests that while Westbourne's crime rate is low, resources may be stretched across a wider area, impacting the speed of non-urgent interventions. Despite this, the consistently high safety score points to a community where residents feel secure, likely due to a combination of factors including a lower crime rate and, presumably, effective local policing strategies.