The recent increase in crime within the March BUA (Built-Up Area) in Fenland has understandably raised concerns amongst residents. Addressing this requires a clear understanding of the current situation and the local police force's response. The crime rate in March currently stands at 103.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, suggesting a localised increase in criminal activity.
While the Safety Score for March is 75 out of 100, this is also slightly below the UK average of 79. This score, alongside the crime rate, provides a snapshot of the perceived safety levels within the area.
Regarding the police force's response, data from 2024 indicates mean immediate response times of 19 minutes. Immediate responses are typically reserved for emergencies requiring urgent intervention. However, the mean priority response time is considerably longer, at 116 minutes. Priority responses cover less urgent matters but still require police attention. This longer response time for priority cases suggests a potential challenge in resource allocation and may contribute to feelings of insecurity amongst residents.
The local police force’s approach to tackling the rise in crime likely involves a combination of strategies, including increased patrols in affected areas, targeted operations based on crime trends, and community engagement initiatives. Specific details regarding these strategies are not available within the provided data but would typically be outlined in local policing plans. It’s important to note that response times are averages and can vary depending on factors like incident severity, location, and available resources.
While the data indicates a higher crime rate and slightly lower safety score compared to the UK average, the police force’s commitment to responding to incidents, as evidenced by their response times, demonstrates an effort to address the situation. Further improvements in response times, particularly for priority incidents, would be vital in bolstering community confidence and enhancing overall safety within the March BUA.