The level of police presence in Burwell, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in East Cambridgeshire with a population of 6484, and the associated response times are key concerns for many residents. While Burwell benefits from a generally positive safety profile, understanding the practical realities of police service is important.
Burwell's crime rate stands at 41.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6. This contributes to an overall safety score of 90 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 79. However, a concerning aspect is the night safety score, which registers at only 15 out of 100, suggesting a need for increased vigilance after dark.
Regarding police response times, data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 19 minutes. This means that, on average, police will take 19 minutes to respond to situations classified as requiring immediate attention. For priority calls, the mean response time is considerably longer, averaging 116 minutes. It's crucial to understand that these are mean times, and actual response times can vary significantly based on factors such as the severity of the incident, availability of resources, and the distance to the location.
While the lower crime rate is encouraging, the longer priority response times warrant attention. Residents should be aware of what constitutes an immediate versus priority call and understand that non-emergency situations may experience a delay in police intervention. It is always advisable to report any suspicious activity, even if it doesn’t seem immediately serious, to help police maintain situational awareness and potentially prevent future incidents. Reporting through official channels ensures incidents are recorded and can contribute to resource allocation decisions.