The police response to incidents of criminal damage in Ruardean Woodside, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within the Forest of Dean, is governed by standard policing protocols and influenced by the area’s specific crime statistics. Ruardean Woodside has a population of 1807 and a crime rate of 21.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. This lower crime rate contributes to Ruardean Woodside’s impressive safety score of 95 out of 100, significantly exceeding the UK average of 79.
When criminal damage is reported in Ruardean Woodside, the police prioritise incidents based on severity and potential risk. Data from 2024 indicates a mean immediate response time of 15 minutes for incidents requiring urgent attention. This ‘immediate’ category typically covers situations posing an immediate threat to life or property. For incidents classified as ‘priority’, the mean response time is 91 minutes. This category includes criminal damage that, while concerning, does not present an immediate danger.
It's important to understand that response times are influenced by various factors, including the availability of resources, the severity of the incident, and the overall demand on police services across the Forest of Dean. While the 91-minute priority response time might seem lengthy, it's crucial to remember that Ruardean Woodside’s overall low crime rate allows for a more measured and considered approach to policing.
Residents experiencing or witnessing criminal damage are strongly encouraged to report incidents to the police promptly, either by calling 101 (for non-emergency situations) or 999 (for emergencies). Reporting incidents helps the police build a picture of crime trends and allocate resources effectively, further safeguarding the community of Ruardean Woodside. The combination of a low crime rate and a proactive police response contributes to the area’s high safety score, making it a relatively safe place to live.