The role of the police in addressing crime in St Eval, a village in Cornwall with a population of 1612, is multifaceted, encompassing reactive response and proactive community engagement. Understanding their responsibilities and response capabilities is key to appreciating the safety landscape of the area.
St Eval exhibits a relatively low crime rate of 29.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, contributing to a high safety score of 92 out of 100 – considerably above the UK average of 79. This suggests that St Eval is generally a safe place to live.
However, the police's role remains critical. Data from 2024 indicates that the mean immediate response time for police in St Eval is 17 minutes. For priority incidents requiring a less urgent but still important response, the mean response time is 39 minutes. These times reflect the challenges of responding to incidents in a geographically dispersed rural area, and are subject to factors such as incident severity and resource availability. It’s important to note that these are mean times and individual response times will vary.
The police’s responsibilities extend beyond responding to incidents. They also engage in preventative policing, working to deter crime through visible patrols, community outreach programs, and partnerships with local residents and organisations. They investigate reported crimes, gather evidence, and apprehend suspects. The police also work to educate the public about crime prevention measures and how to report suspicious activity. The low crime rate and high safety score in St Eval are likely a result of a combination of factors, including the police's efforts and the strong sense of community within the village. Residents who notice suspicious behaviour should always report it to the police, even if it seems minor, as it can contribute to preventing more serious incidents.