The effectiveness of the police presence in addressing crime in Aylesham, a built-up area in Dover, is a complex issue to assess. While the area benefits from a relatively low crime rate, understanding police response times provides further context.
Aylesham's crime rate stands at 57.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the United Kingdom’s average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. Coupled with a safety score of 88 out of 100 – again, higher than the national average of 79 – this suggests that Aylesham generally experiences less crime compared to other parts of the country.
However, the efficiency of police response is a crucial factor in addressing crime effectively. Data from 2024 indicates that the mean police immediate response time in Aylesham is 19 minutes. For priority incidents, the mean response time is considerably longer, at 101 minutes. These response times, particularly the extended time for priority calls, may impact the effectiveness of police intervention and potentially influence residents' perception of safety.
It’s important to note that response times can be affected by numerous factors, including call volume, resource availability, and the nature of the incident. While a longer response time for priority incidents is a concern, the lower overall crime rate and higher safety score suggest that other preventative measures and community efforts may be contributing to a safer environment in Aylesham. Further investigation into the reasons behind the longer priority response times would be valuable to assess whether improvements can be made to ensure a more timely response to critical situations.