The visibility and effectiveness of the police presence in Bottisham, East Cambridgeshire, is a nuanced picture based on available data. Bottisham, a built-up area with a population of 1621, demonstrates a crime rate of 53.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment. The area also benefits from a safety score of 89 out of 100, which is above the UK average of 79, further reinforcing this impression.
However, examining police response times provides a different perspective. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 19 minutes. While this may seem acceptable, the mean priority response time is significantly longer, standing at 116 minutes. This extended timeframe for non-emergency situations suggests that resources may be stretched or that response prioritisation is impacting how quickly non-urgent calls are addressed.
It’s important to note that 'immediate' and 'priority' response categories have specific definitions within the police system, and these times reflect the average across all calls within those categories. Individual experiences may vary considerably. Factors such as the nature of the incident, location, and availability of resources all influence response times. The lower crime rate in Bottisham may contribute to fewer immediate response calls, but the longer priority response time warrants consideration.
The higher safety score likely reflects a combination of factors including the lower crime rate and potentially a strong sense of community. However, the longer priority response times highlight an area where improvements could be sought to enhance overall feelings of safety and security within Bottisham. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns or suspicious activity to the police, regardless of perceived urgency, as this information contributes to a broader understanding of local safety needs.