The question of police presence in Charmouth, Dorset, is best understood by examining the area's crime statistics and response times. Charmouth, a built-up area (BUA) with a population of 1709, demonstrates a significantly lower crime rate than the national average. Its crime rate stands at 31.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, whereas the UK average is considerably higher at 91.6 per 1,000. This indicates a comparatively safe environment for residents.
Charmouth also benefits from a high safety score of 92 out of 100, further reinforcing its reputation for safety. The UK average safety score is 79, demonstrating that Charmouth performs exceptionally well in terms of perceived safety and actual crime levels. While a high safety score doesn't guarantee complete absence of crime, it points to a community where residents generally feel secure.
Regarding police response times, data from 2024 reveals a mean immediate response time of 14 minutes. This refers to the time it takes for police to respond to urgent situations requiring immediate intervention. However, the mean priority response time is considerably longer, at 126 minutes. A priority response indicates incidents requiring a response, but not immediate action. While this longer response time for priority calls might be a cause for consideration, it's important to contextualise this within the low overall crime rate. A lower crime rate often correlates with less frequent calls for priority assistance.
It's important to remember that response times can be influenced by various factors, including the availability of resources, the geographical challenges of the area, and the nature of the incident. The figures provided represent a mean and do not reflect every individual situation. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.